Medical Catheters Explained: Types, Indications & Nursing Care

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What is a Medical Catheter?

A medical catheter is a thin, flexible tube inserted into the body to drain fluids, give medications, monitor pressure, or provide nutrition. Catheters are widely used in hospitals, ICUs, emergency care, and long-term patient management.

Common Medical Catheters (Exam-Oriented)

1. Foley Catheter (Urinary Catheter)

  • Site: Urinary bladder

  • Indication: Urinary retention, urine output monitoring, post-operative care

  • Nursing care: Maintain aseptic technique, keep urine bag below bladder level, monitor urine color and amount

2. Central Venous Catheter (CVC)

  • Site: Internal jugular / subclavian / femoral vein

  • Indications: ICU monitoring, CVP measurement, vasopressors, TPN

  • Nursing care: Strict asepsis, monitor for infection, air embolism, and dressing care

3. Dialysis Catheter

  • Site: Internal jugular vein (preferred)

  • Indication: Hemodialysis

  • Nursing care: Do not use for routine IV drugs, observe for bleeding and infection

4. Ryle’s Tube (Nasogastric Tube)

  • Site: Nose → stomach

  • Indications: Feeding, gastric decompression, medication administration

  • Nursing care: Check tube placement, keep head elevated during feeding, observe for aspiration

5. Arterial Line

  • Site: Radial artery

  • Indication: Continuous blood pressure monitoring, ABG sampling

  • Nursing care: Check distal circulation, maintain pressure dressing, prevent infection

6. Pigtail Catheter

  • Site: Pleural cavity

  • Indication: Drainage of pleural effusion or pneumothorax

  • Nursing care: Monitor drainage amount, respiratory status, and tube patency

7. Suprapubic Catheter

  • Site: Suprapubic region (above pubic bone)

  • Indication: Long-term bladder drainage when urethral catheter is not suitable

  • Nursing care: Daily site cleaning, observe for infection and leakage

Key Points for Nursing Students

  • Always follow aseptic technique

  • Monitor for infection, blockage, and bleeding

  • Accurate documentation of insertion site, output, and complications

  • Patient education is essential for long-term catheter care

Conclusion

Medical catheters play a vital role in patient care. Understanding their types, indications, insertion sites, and nursing responsibilities is essential for nursing students and clinical practice.

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