Is choice of catheter size an important factor in patient discomfort?

This paper describes a study which was undertaken in order to assess nurses' knowledge regarding catheter size and determine whether the size of the catheter chosen related to patient discomfort. The results presented are those of the pilot study. The knowledge level of nurses regarding criteria for selection of catheter size was variable and demonstrated deficits reported by other studies. The patients included in the sample (n = 23) did not experience significant discomfort, leaking or pain as a result of catheter size which varied from 14-2Ch.