Guidelines for Care of the Patient with an Indwelling Catheter

Box 12-1

Guidelines for Care of the Patient With an Indwelling Catheter

Use an indwelling catheter only when necessary. In addition, consider evidence-based practice guidelines and facility policy to ensure the catheter is removed at the earliest time possible, to limit use to the shortest duration possible (ANA, 2014; Gould et al., 2019; SUNA, 2015).
Wash hands before and after caring for the patient.
Use the smallest appropriate-sized catheter that will allow effective drainage (ANA, 2014; SUNA, 2015; Yates, 2017a).
Use sterile technique when inserting a catheter.
Secure the catheter properly to the patient's thigh or abdomen after insertion (ANA, 2014; Holroyd, 2019; SUNA, 2015; Yates, 2016).
Keep the drainage bag below the level of the patient's bladder to maintain drainage of urine and prevent the backflow of urine into the patient's bladder (ANA, 2014; Gould et al., 2019).
Keep the drainage bag and tubing off the ground (ANA, 2014; Gould et al., 2019).
Maintain a closed system (Gould et al., 2019).
If necessary, obtain urine samples using aseptic technique via the sampling port on a closed system (Gould et al., 2019).
Keep the catheter free from obstruction to maintain free flow to the urine.
Avoid irrigation, unless needed, to relieve or prevent obstruction (Gould et al., 2019; SUNA, 2015).
Ensure that the patient maintains adequate fluid intake (Hill & Mitchell, 2018).
Empty the drainage bag regularly; prevent contact of the drainage spout with nonsterile collection/measuring container (Gould et al., 2019).
Provide daily routine personal hygiene as outlined in Chapter 7; clean the perineal area thoroughly, especially around the meatus, daily and after each bowel movement. Rinse the area well. Cleanse the catheter by cleaning gently from the meatus outward. Do not use powders and lotions after cleaning. Do not use antibiotic or other antimicrobial cleaners or betadine at the urethral meatus (Gould et al., 2019; Herter & Kazer, 2010).

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Box 12-1