Which female catheter type can be placed by a PCT?

Which female catheter type can be placed by a PCT?

• A. Intermittent straight catheter
• B. Suprapubic catheter
• C. Ureteral catheter
• D. Purewick - connect to suction, perform perineal care before application, replace every 8-12 hrs/soiled

Answer: (D)

External female urinary devices like PureWick are designed for noninvasive urine collection and can be placed by a PCT when your facility allows it. This device sits outside the body, around the external genital area, and is connected to suction to remove urine. Because no insertion into the urethra is required, it does not require sterile bladder catheterization, which is why it falls within the PCT scope with proper training and policy. Before applying, perform perineal care to protect the skin and reduce infection risk, then ensure the device is properly positioned and the suction is running. Change the device every 8–12 hours or sooner if it is soiled or leaking. Monitor skin condition and check for kinks or blockages in the tubing. Internal catheters, like intermittent straight catheters, as well as suprapubic or ureteral catheters, require sterile technique, orders, or procedures that are typically performed by licensed clinicians, not routinely by PCTs.

External female urinary devices like PureWick are designed for noninvasive urine collection and can be placed by a PCT when your facility allows it. This device sits outside the body, around the external genital area, and is connected to suction to remove urine. Because no insertion into the urethra is required, it does not require sterile bladder catheterization, which is why it falls within the PCT scope with proper training and policy.

Before applying, perform perineal care to protect the skin and reduce infection risk, then ensure the device is properly positioned and the suction is running. Change the device every 8–12 hours or sooner if it is soiled or leaking. Monitor skin condition and check for kinks or blockages in the tubing.

Internal catheters, like intermittent straight catheters, as well as suprapubic or ureteral catheters, require sterile technique, orders, or procedures that are typically performed by licensed clinicians, not routinely by PCTs.