Insert, secure and monitor urethral catheters
Overview
This standard covers the insertion of urethral catheters, including re-catheterisation, following agreed protocols and procedures. It also covers regular monitoring and care of the urethral catheter after insertion.
It does not include suprapubic catheterisation.
Users of this standard will need to communicate effectively to meet individuals' needs and wishes and work in line with health and safety legislation, policy and practices.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
P1. identify and agree the roles and responsibilities of yourself and others in inserting, securing and monitoring urethral catheters
P2. provide support to the individual, ensuring that you respect their rights and wishes relating to their privacy, beliefs and dignity
P3. establish consent and access information on inserting, securing and monitoring urethral catheters
P4. apply standard infection prevention and control precautions and take other appropriate health and safety measures
P5. comply with the correct protocols and procedures relating to urinary catheterisation.
P6. insert the catheter safely and correctly, according to manufacturer's instructions and with minimal trauma to the individual
P7. secure the catheter after insertion according to instructions and adjust it correctly
P8. attach the catheter correctly to the appropriate drainage system, confirm it is functioning correctly and measure and record the amount of urine collected immediately after insertion
P9. make the individual as comfortable as possible following the procedure
P10. monitor the individual's condition, promptly recognise any adverse effects and take the appropriate action
P11. check that all catheterisation equipment and materials are functioning correctly and take appropriate action to remedy any problems
P12. maintain cleanliness of the catheter and surrounding area through regular hygiene care
P13. empty drainage bags and measure and record urinary output whenever necessary and as instructed
P14. complete all relevant documentation required for inserting, securing and monitoring urethral catheters
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
K1. how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions, legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols needed to insert, secure and monitor urethral catheters
K2. the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
K3. specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
K4. the principles, practice and procedures associated with informed consent
K5. the conditions and constraints which might denote who undertakes this procedure and why
K6. the anatomy of the male and female genito-urinary system
K7. the physiology of the genito-urinary system
K8. the effects of catheterisation on the individual's comfort and dignity, and ways of minimising any adverse effects
K9. how aseptic technique contributes to the control of infection
K10. the procedure for insertion of the catheter and how to maintain its potency
K11. the importance of maintaining cleanliness of the catheter and surrounding area through regular hygiene care
K12. how to empty, measure and record output from drainage systems
K13. the ethical issues surrounding catheterisation, as applied to males and females
K14. the need for chaperones, individual awareness and consent
K15. potential adverse effects and appropriate actions
K16. the effective methods of providing verbal and non-verbal support and reassurance to individuals
K17. the types of catheters that can be used and why you should select the appropriate catheter
K18. the local anaesthetic agents available
K19. how to complete and safely store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements