External or Internal Catheter?

It’s impossible to always prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI), right? Actually, you can prevent CAUTIs by avoiding indwelling urinary catheters (IUCs) and instead selecting an external catheter when appropriate1. While some long-held negative assumptions about external catheters still persist among nursing staff—like they’re uncomfortable or unhygienic—these myths have been debunked or overcome by innovative product designs. It’s a matter of determining whether an internal urinary catheter is still best for your patient or if an external catheter will be appropriate.

Consider an external catheter if:
Your patient experiences frequent episodes of stool incontinence, and they already have a fecal management system in place. Additionally, if there is no bladder output obstruction, open wounds or heavy menstruation, it’s smart to consider an external catheter.

Stick with an internal catheter if:
Your patient needs 24-hour urine output monitoring; they experience urinary incontinence; they have difficulty walking from the bed to a chair or toilet and difficulty using a bed pan; they’re on bedrest or are immobile due to post-surgical or procedural orders. Other reasons would be if your patient experiences frequent episodes of stool incontinence and doesn’t have a fecal management system in place.