Bladder Scanners and Urinary Catheters

Bladder Scanners

• Utilizes ultrasonography to measure urine volume in the bladder
• Diagnoses urinary retention and post-void residual
• Important Placement: Above pubic symphysis (1 inch) and pointed down
• Settings Adjustment: Select whether the patient has a uterus

Types of Urinary Catheters

Indwelling Catheters (aka Foley Catheters)

• Remains inside the patient for an extended period
• Uses: Strict intake/output, cardiac problems, heart failure, comatose patients
• Major Concern: Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI)

Straight or Intermittent Catheters

• Inserted and removed immediately
• Uses: Obtaining a sterile specimen, treating acute urinary retention

Suprapubic Catheters

• Surgically placed above the pubic bone
• Risk: High infection risk

External Catheters

• Non-invasive; reduces infection risk
• Types: Condom catheter, wicking devices for non-penile patients
• Risk: Skin breakdown due to moisture

Care of Indwelling Urinary Catheters

• Insertion: Use sterile technique
• Bag Placement: Should hang below the bladder level
• Avoid: Kinks in tubing and dependent loops
• Advocate: For removal as soon as appropriate to avoid infection

Important Advice

• Foley Drainage Bag: Always empty the bag before removing the catheter to avoid contamination incidents

Next Topics

• Future discussions will include constipation, diarrhea, and ostomies