THE ROLE OF THE NURSE IN THE INSTALLATION OF AN INDWARD BLADDER CATHETER

Abstract

Indwelling bladder catheterization, although beneficial to the patient, can cause certain complications when adequate measures are not adopted in the insertion and maintenance of the catheter, the main complication being the presence of urinary tract infections. The objective of this study was to analyze and discuss nursing care aimed at preventing urinary tract infection related to indwelling bladder catheterization, in addition to gaining knowledge about the effectiveness of using indicators related to this type of infection. This is a literature review with a search for studies dated from 2013 to 2023. The descriptors used for the search were: “Bladder catheterization”, “Nursing care”, “Indwelling bladder catheterization”. Seventeen studies were located and after applying the predetermined criteria, eight studies were selected to compose the review. It is clear that the publications related to the topic addressed emphasize the importance of knowledge and adequate practices in the indwelling bladder catheterization procedure. It is worth mentioning that indwelling bladder catheterization is a procedure frequently used in hospitalization of patients, and is a procedure that is the responsibility of the nurse. The entire procedure, from insertion of the catheter to removal of the urinary catheter, must be documented in the patient's medical record, so that the length of stay and complications caused by the catheter can be monitored.