The University of Alabama
Capstone College of Nursing
NUR 534: Fundamentals of Professional Nursing Practice
Topic: Urinary Catheters
Objectives: Upon successful completion of the clinical laboratory experiences,
the student will be able to:
1. Describe the indication for using a urinary drainage device.
2. Discuss the difference between straight catheter, indwelling catheter and
condom catheter.
3. Verbalize appropriate catheter care.
4. Insert an indwelling catheter in a male and female model.
5. Remove an indwelling catheter from male and female model.
6. Apply a condom catheter.
Urinary Catheterization
Catheterization: Introduction of a latex or plastic tube through the urethra into
the bladder. The catheter allows a continuous flow of urine to exit the body.
Indications for Catheterization:
Intermittent Catheterization
o Relieving discomfort due to bladder distention
o Assessing residual urine following urination
o Obtaining sterile urine specimen
o Long-term management of urination for patients with spinal cord injuries,
neuromuscular degeneration, or incompetent bladders
Short-term indwelling catheterization
o Obstruction to urine flow (prostate enlargement)
o Surgical repair of bladder
o Prevention of obstruction from blood clots following GU surgery (bladder
irrigation)
o Strict measurement of UOP in critically ill patients
Long-term indwelling catheterization
o Severe urinary retention with recurrent UTIs
o Skin rashes, ulcers, wound irritated by contact with urine
o Terminal illness when linen changes are painful for patient
Catheter Types:
Intermittent or straight catheter
o no balloon and one lumen
Indwelling or retention catheter
o Inflatable balloon and multiple lumens
Coude catheter
Updated 4 January 2026
Capstone College of Nursing
NUR 534: Fundamentals of Professional Nursing Practice
Topic: Urinary Catheters
Objectives: Upon successful completion of the clinical laboratory experiences,
the student will be able to:
1. Describe the indication for using a urinary drainage device.
2. Discuss the difference between straight catheter, indwelling catheter and
condom catheter.
3. Verbalize appropriate catheter care.
4. Insert an indwelling catheter in a male and female model.
5. Remove an indwelling catheter from male and female model.
6. Apply a condom catheter.
Urinary Catheterization
Catheterization: Introduction of a latex or plastic tube through the urethra into
the bladder. The catheter allows a continuous flow of urine to exit the body.
Indications for Catheterization:
Intermittent Catheterization
o Relieving discomfort due to bladder distention
o Assessing residual urine following urination
o Obtaining sterile urine specimen
o Long-term management of urination for patients with spinal cord injuries,
neuromuscular degeneration, or incompetent bladders
Short-term indwelling catheterization
o Obstruction to urine flow (prostate enlargement)
o Surgical repair of bladder
o Prevention of obstruction from blood clots following GU surgery (bladder
irrigation)
o Strict measurement of UOP in critically ill patients
Long-term indwelling catheterization
o Severe urinary retention with recurrent UTIs
o Skin rashes, ulcers, wound irritated by contact with urine
o Terminal illness when linen changes are painful for patient
Catheter Types:
Intermittent or straight catheter
o no balloon and one lumen
Indwelling or retention catheter
o Inflatable balloon and multiple lumens
Coude catheter
Updated 4 January 2026
