Insertion of indwelling urethral catheters in infants and children: a survey of current nursing practice.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify current nursing practice standards for the insertion of indwelling urethral catheters in infants and children. A comparative descriptive design was used to survey a sample of 46 children's hospitals to determine recommended practice guidelines for size, type of catheter, insertion length, and source of nursing policies. Findings revealed a wide variation in practice often without a clear scientific or research base. In the absence of nursing research and established standards, it is essential that nurses base their practice decisions on an understanding of anatomical structure of the urethra and bladder and on knowledge of the dimensions of available catheters.