Urinary Catheter Placement In the Diagnostic and Therapy Center (DTC)
Our goal is to provide the greatest level of comfort for your child in a safe, child-friendly manner.
When you arrive in the DTC your child’s heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate and weight will be taken. You and your child will meet with a nurse who will ask questions about your child’s health. You and the nurse will then decide if your child should receive a medicine to help her relax during the placement of the urinary catheter.
If you decide your child should receive the medicine, a doctor or nurse practitioner may meet with you. He or she will discuss your child’s health with you. He will also examine your child. Together you will decide how relaxed or sleepy your child should be to provide comfort during catheter placement. In most cases a mild sedative called midazolam is given by mouth. The effects of the medicine will be discussed in detail before your child receives it.
If we decide not to give the medicine, your child may still use a numbing gel to lessen the stinging feeling during placement of the catheter. A Child Life specialist or nurse will provide teaching about the catheter placement and VCUG for your child if you would like. (See Health Facts for You, #5247, VCUG). She can also work with your child to distract her while the catheter is placed.
Once the catheter is in place, a Child Life specialist, and perhaps a nurse, will go with you and your child for the VCUG.
Once the VCUG is complete, you and your child may leave if the medicine we gave has worn off. If the medicine has not yet worn off, you and your child will return to the DTC. You will remain in the DTC until the medicine we gave wears off and the nurse feels it is safe for your child to leave.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 08/18/2011
Copyright © 08/18/2011 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#6651
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