What it means
In females it lies between the clitoris and the vaginal opening; in males it is at the tip of the penis. It is the opening through which a urinary catheter is inserted and the area cleaned before a clean-catch urine sample.
For the nurse
Clean the meatus before catheter insertion and as part of catheter care, wiping from front to back in females. Note any redness, swelling or discharge.
At a glance
| Also written | urethral meatus |
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Related terms
catheter
A thin, flexible tube put into the body to drain fluid out or to put fluid or drugs in.
urethra
The tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.
straight catheterization
Putting a catheter through the urethra into the bladder to drain urine, then taking it out right away.