CHS8 Insert and secure urethral catheters and monitor and respond to the effects of urethral catheterisation

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 ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies. Version No 1

Knowledge and Understanding

You will need to know and understand:

1. The current European and national legislation, national guidelines and local policies and protocols which affect your work practice in relation to carrying out urethral catheterisation
2. Your responsibilities and accountability in relation to the current European and national legislation and local policies and protocols
3. The importance of working within your own sphere of competence when and seeking advice when faced with situations outside your sphere of competence
4. The importance of applying standard precautions and the potential consequences of poor practice
5. The conditions and constraints which might denote who undertakes this procedure and why
6. The anatomy of the male and/or female genito-urinary system
7. The physiology of the genito-urinary system
8. Adapting communication to meet individual’s needs
9. The effects of catheterisation on the individual’s comfort and dignity, and ways of minimising any adverse effects
10. The ethical issues surrounding catheterisation, as applied to males and females
11. The need for chaperones, individual awareness and consent
12. Potential adverse effects and appropriate actions
13. The importance of offering effective verbal and non-verbal support and reassurance to patients when you perform urethral catheterisation
14. The effective methods of providing verbal and non-verbal support and reassurance to patients
15. The types of catheters that can be used and why you should select the appropriate catheter
16. The local anaesthetic agents available
17. The importance of keeping accurate and up to date records
18. The importance of immediately reporting any issues which are outside your own sphere of competence without delay to the relevant member of staff

Performance Criteria

You must be able to do the following:

1. apply standard precautions for infection control and take other appropriate health and safety measures
2. comply with the correct protocols and procedures relating to urinary catheterisation
3. insert the catheter safely and correctly, according to manufacturer’s instructions and with minimal trauma to the individual
4. secure the catheter after insertion according to instructions and adjust it correctly
5. 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
6. make the individual as comfortable as possible following the procedure
7. monitor the individual’s condition, promptly recognise any adverse effects and take the appropriate action
8. seek assistance promptly from an appropriate person should it be required
9. record clearly, accurately, and correctly any relevant information in the necessary records
10. check that all catheterisation equipment and materials are functioning correctly and take appropriate action to remedy any problems
11. maintain cleanliness of the catheter and surrounding area through regular hygiene care
12. empty drainage bags and measure and record urinary output whenever necessary and as instructed by the professional involved
13. educate the individual as far as possible on the care of the catheter and attachments

Additional Information

This National Occupational Standard was developed by Skills for Health. This standard links with the following dimension within the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (October 2004): Dimension: HWB5 Provision of care to meet health and wellbeing needs This standard has replaced HSC378