1.1 Summarise the current legislation, national guidelines, policies, protocols and good practice related to caring for individuals with urethral catheters
Urethral catheterisation is a procedure which involves inserting a tube into the bladder through the urethra in order to drain urine. It is commonly used for medical conditions such as urinary retention and specific surgical procedures, but it can also be used as an alternative form of incontinence management.
The current legislation, national guidelines and protocols related to caring for individuals with urethral catheters are primarily focused on minimising risks associated with infection control. The UK’s Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has published guidance outlining good practices when providing care involving urinary drainage systems, including those involving catheterisation.
In particular, this guidance emphasises careful hand hygiene before any contact between patient and carer or equipment; ensuring that only single-use sterile equipment should be used wherever possible; correctly disposing of contaminated items in accordance with local waste disposal protocols; paying special attention to removing indwelling catheters once no longer clinically indicated (easing risk from long-term use); carefully managing fluids taken orally where applicable; assessing potential hazards prior to commencing treatment, including checking consent/capacity levels plus advising individuals about their responsibilities regarding taking personal responsibility for device cleaning if applicable, and ensuring that the patient is advised of potential risks involved in catheterisation.
The National Institute for Health & Care Excellence (NICE) also provides guidance on best practices regarding urinary catheters, with emphasis placed on minimising blockages and infections, as well as explaining how to manage care associated with long-term use if necessary. Their recommendations include a detailed assessment of physical examination results, including measurement of urine output; recording details relating to frequency/duration of catheter change; giving regular assessments/reviews by relevant health professionals such as nurses or GPs etc.; offering psychological support where necessary; considering alternative methods for incontinence management such as pads or diapers prior to the procedure being undertaken etc.
Furthermore, NICE recommends that those providing care should make sure they have up-to-date training related to wound dressing techniques plus infection control measures relevant specifically to urinary tract infection treatment alongside administering systemic antibiotic medication wherever clinically indicated, i.e., hospital admission due to overall condition necessitating this kind of intervention instead of homecare management etc.
In conclusion, all aspects connected directly with urethral catheters require good practice in order to ensure appropriate levels of safety along with decent levels of comfort when undertaking procedures of this type. This includes all stages of care, from selecting and fitting appropriate equipment to ongoing monitoring and removal when no longer necessary.
Other answers in the full document:
- 1.2 Explain own responsibilities and accountability in relation to current legislation, national guidelines, organisational policies and protocols which affect work practice when carrying out care activities for individuals with urethral catheters
- 2.1 Describe the anatomy and physiology of the lower urinary tract of:
a. Male
b. Female - 2.2 Describe lower urinary tract functions and continence status
- 2.3 Describe the causative factors which determine the need for urethral urinary catheters
- 2.4 Explain the effects of urethral catheterisation on an individual’s comfort and dignity
- 3.1 Describe catheter care equipment that can be used to meet individuals’ specific needs
- 3.2 Describe the types of catheter care advice to give to individuals
- 3.3 Describe when to undertake urinalysis, obtain a catheter specimen of urine (CSU) or screen for multi-Resistant bacteria
- 3.4 Describe the indications, mode of action, risks, side-Effects, cautions, contra-Indications and potential interactions of urethral catheter care
- 3.5 Describe the medication, antibiotics, anaesthetic agents and associated solutions used for individuals with urethral catheters