Catheter careAn introduction

A Catheter is a thin rubber tube which is put into the bladder to drain urine from the body.

After the catheter is inserted a small baloon is inflated to keep it in place.

A catheter can stay in the bladder for a short or long time.

What is a Catheter

The catheter will be connected to a bag to collect the urine..

Once fitted the catheter will need daily attention to prevent infection and keep the patient comfortable.

Catheter care

Wash hands before and after giving catheter care.

Keep the skin and the catheter clean,clean around the catheter at least once a day and after every bowel movement.

Always keep the urine bag below the level of the bladder.Backflow of urine can cause infection.

Daily Care

Use cotton underwear. Ensure adequate fluid is taken, at least 1.5 L

per day, avoid excess caffeine. Avoid the catheter being pulled. Make sure the tubing is not kinked or looped

and when patient is in bed is not lying on the catheter.

Daily Care

Wash your hands and put on gloves Use a clean washcloth, warm water and

soap wash the genital area , wash front to back to avoid transferring germs from the anal area.

Holding the tubing to prevent it being pulled wash around the catheter to remove any blood, crust or mucus.

Wash the anus last, pat area and catheter dry with a clean towel.

Catheter care

Attach the bag to the patients leg with the straps provided ensuring the tubing is not being pulled.

Avoid disconnecting the bag to minimise the risk of infection. A larger bag can be connected to the leg bag at night.

Catheter Care

Urine can be emptied into a container or the toilet.It may need to be measured.

Always wash your hands and apply gloves. Without touching the tip of the drainage

spout open the valve. Let the urine drain into the container or the

toilet.Do not let the tube touch anything. Clean the end of the spout with water and a

tissue.

Emptying the bag

Close the valve. Dispose of the urine. Remove gloves and wash your hands. Record how much urine emptied if

necessary.

Emptying the bag

Get a new bag. Wash your hands and apply gloves. Remove the old bag taking care not to allow

the catheter to touch anything, clean the end of the catheter and the end of the tube to the bag and attach, ensuring the valve is in the closed position.

Remove gloves and wash your hands

Changing the bag

Check for kinks, see if the tube is twisted or bent.

Ensure patient is not lying on the tube. Make sure the bag is lower than the bladder. Change position. Refer to Registered Nurse.

Fixing problems.

Level of urine in bag has stopped rising. Bed or clothes are wet. Urine is thick or cloudy or has blood in it. Urine smells offensive. Pain in urethra,bladder abdomen or lower

back. High temperature.

Things to look for…..