Bladder catheterisation equipment

Assemble the necessary equipment for the procedure and lay them on a very clean dish or tray (see Figure 22.7). We will describe the equipment in detail after you have looked at Figure 22.7.

1. Sterile drainage tubing with a collection bag to hold the urine draining from the bladder. It will come in a sterile plastic package (not shown in Figure 22.7).
2. Alcohol or antiseptic cleaning solution to clean the genital area; if you do not have it, use soap and water.
3. Cotton swabs or small pieces of very clean cloth.
4. Sterile gloves; if you do not have them use very clean gloves.
5. Tube of lubricant (slippery gel to help the catheter go in more easily).
6. Syringe containing sterile water to inflate the catheter balloon.
7. Sterile catheter of the correct size; the size in common use is 16FC (FC or Foley Catheter, is the unit used to indicate the size of the catheter). It will come in a sterile plastic package (not shown in Figure 22.7). Notice the side tube which connects to an inflatable balloon at the tip of the catheter.
8. Good light source; a battery operated torch may serve the purpose, but you will need to ask someone to hold it for you.
9. Cloth to drape over the woman's lower body.