Inserting a transurethral indwelling catheter (female)

Sterile insertion of a transurethral indwelling urinary catheter in a woman — indication, aseptic technique and closed drainage system.

Content created with AI assistance from public clinical sources (RKI, AWMF) – may contain mistakes; if in doubt, your textbook is right

Translated from the German original, which is authoritative. The exam itself is in German.

Material

• Medical order (indication, catheter size)
• Sterile catheter set (drape, swabs, forceps, sterile gloves), mucosal antiseptic
• Sterile lubricant, catheter of a suitable size (Charrière)
• Balloon-filling syringe with sterile water or 8–10% glycerol solution as specified by the manufacturer
• Closed urine drainage system, holder, disposable gloves for intimate care

Typical mistakes in the exam

• Letting go with the spreading hand and then disinfecting again without starting over
• Inflating the balloon before urine flows
• Inflating the balloon with saline
• Placing the urine bag at bed level or on the floor

What examiners ask afterwards

• What do you do if the catheter accidentally enters the vagina?
• How do you prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections over time?
• How often do you check whether the catheter is still indicated?

Sources

• KRINKO: Prävention und Kontrolle Katheter-assoziierter Harnwegsinfektionen (RKI)