It is common in children in PICU to have a tube helping them pass urine. This tube is called a “urinary catheter”. There are different reasons children need a urinary catheter. Older children may be too unwell to get out of bed to use the toilet. Some medications may make it hard for children to pass urine. In this case the urinary catheter will help the bladder to drain regularly.
The urinary catheter is placed through the passage where urine normally drains out from the bladder.
The catheter is then connected to a bag that hangs on the side of the bed. Urine is measured and helps medical staff know how hydrated a child is.
This topic was reviewed by a paediatric intensive care medicine specialist in July 2022.