Nurse-Performed Bladder Ultrasound Effect on Pediatric Bladder Catheterization Success

Background and Objectives: Bladder catheterization (BC) is a routine procedure, but unsuccessful attempts due to inadequate bladder volume are common and stressful for children and caregivers. Physician-performed bladder point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) improves BC success rates, but the effect of nurse-performed POCUS remains understudied. Methods: We randomized children under 24 months of age to receive either nurse-performed POCUS before BC or standard blind BC in the pediatric emergency department to compare dry catheterization rates. A simplified POCUS technique using a single bladder measurement was employed to enhance efficiency and feasibility for nursing staff. We also compared caregiver satisfaction and procedural time between groups. Statistical comparisons used the Pearson χ 2 test for categorical variables and the Wilcoxon rank sum test for continuous variables. A P value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Univariate logistic regression estimated the odds of outcomes with POCUS versus standard care. Results: In the POCUS group, the dry catheterization rate was 5% compared with 17% in the standard group (odds ratio=0.24, 95% CI=[0.09, 0.72]), indicating fewer dry BCs in the POCUS group. Caregivers of children in the POCUS group reported higher satisfaction ( P =0.02). There was no significant difference in the time from BC orders to initial BC attempt between groups. Conclusions: Nurse-performed POCUS before BC reduces dry BCs and improves caregiver satisfaction without causing procedural delays. Incorporating nurse-performed POCUS into standard BC workflows may enhance patient care.