Coude

Good Morning. Just a quick question.
is it EVER ok to use a coude cath on a female PT? Why or why not? Is there any benefit in a difficult angle or placement of the urethral opening?
Thanks.
BaldyRN
I have never seen or heard of using one in a female pt. If you have a female that is that difficult to get a foley in it is time to get urology involved

I agree call urology. Even for males the thought of using a coude makes me shutter. O_o

The Coude has no real indication for a female unless there is an obstruction like a tumor. Try placing the patient on an upside down bedpan and backwards (narrow towards the head) this will angle the pelvis better for you. Have the patient cough after a liberal application of cleaner/betadine and the meatus will "wink" at you

I don't remember the circumstance, but the one and only time I've seen a coude cath used on a female was during my L&D rotation during nursing school.

I have! The angle helps when you have a urethra hidden in a vagina. Put patient on and upside down bedpan betadine everything, slide in coude bend pointing upwards and cath slides right in.

Quote from casiI have! The angle helps when you have a urethra hidden in a vagina. Put patient on and upside down bedpan betadine everything, slide in coude bend pointing upwards and cath slides right in.

Quote from TheCommuterI agree. I've used the coude on 90+ year-old little old ladies whose urethras are hidden in a hot mess of droopy vaginal rugae, and the upward angle of the tip made it in easily.

I've had female patients who are chronically cath'd who use coude tips.

Thank you all for your responses!