A urethral catheter is a flexible plastic or latex tube which is inserted into the bladder via the urethra to drain urine, or instil medications into the bladder. When selecting the type of catheter, do so considering the reason for insertion, and the intended duration required. The aim to use the smallest size which will allow free urinary drainage between size 12 – 16 for males. Larger sizes may be required if there is debris or blood clots, which may block a smaller diameter catheter. Ensure you use the correct length of catheter; the standard length for a male catheter is 40-44cm. Female catheters are shorter, as the female urethra is shorter. If a catheter that is too short is inserted into a male, when the balloon is inflated, it may cause trauma in the urethra. When inserting a urethral catheter, it is important to maintain an aseptic technique, in order to reduce the risk of introducing infection into the urinary tract. In this film, due to the sensitive nature, this procedure will be performed on a catheterisation simulator model.
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