Lecture on Bladder Scanners and Urinary Catheters

Introduction

• Presenter: Meris
• Topics covered: Bladder scanners, urinary catheters, and considerations for them
• Following along with Fundamentals of Nursing flashcards (card numbers 120-123)

Bladder Scanners

• Purpose: Uses ultrasonography to assess urine volume in the bladder
• Uses: Diagnosing urinary retention, assessing post-void residual
• Key Points:
  • Place transducer above pubic symphysis (about one inch) and point towards the bladder
  • Important to select the patient's sex (uterus presence) on the machine for accurate readings

Types of Urinary Catheters

Indwelling Catheter

• Also known as Foley catheter (brand name)
• Usage: Stays in place for patients needing strict intake/output monitoring (e.g., cardiac issues, comatose patients)
• Risk: Catheter-associated UTI (CAUTI) due to the prolonged presence of an external device

Straight/Intermittent Catheter

• Usage: Temporary, used for obtaining sterile specimens or relieving acute urinary retention

Other Catheters (Card 122)

• Suprapubic Catheters:
  • Surgically placed above pubic bone
  • High risk of infection
• External Catheters:
  • Decreases risk of infection
  • Risk of skin breakdown due to moisture (e.g., condom catheters)
  • Include wicking devices for patients without a penis

Care of Indwelling Catheters (Card 123)

• Technique: Use sterile technique for insertion
• Bag Position: Should hang below bladder level, attached to bed frame
• Checkpoints:
  • Ensure tubing is not kinked
  • Avoid dependent loops to prevent backflow and infection
• Removal: Advocate for timely removal to minimize infection risk

Additional Advice

• Empty Foley drainage bag before removing the catheter to avoid hitting one's face
• Measure contents before disposal

Closing Remarks

• Invitation to subscribe for more content
• Next topic: Constipation, diarrhea, and ostomies
• Personal anecdote on why draining the Foley bag first is memorable and advised

These notes summarize the key points from the lecture on bladder scanners and urinary catheters, providing a comprehensive overview of the procedures, types of catheters, and care considerations.