Clean Intermittent Catheterization in the School Setting

Abstract

Spina bifida (SB) is a neural tube defect that causes many physical and mental disabilities. Bowel and bladder incontinence is the disability seen most often in these students that requires the school nurse’s attention. Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) provides the student with SB a vehicle to reach a satisfactory level of continence, helps build self-esteem, and allows the student greater independence. The school nurse assists the student with SB with CIC in the school setting and reinforces the importance of correct technique with the student, family, and other personnel caring for the student. The success of a continence management program at school is dependent on all these individuals working together with the common goal of maintaining normal renal function, gaining urinary continence, and promoting independence of the student.