Urinary Catheter Care Basics

The urinary catheter is a tube-like device that is used by people who cannot urinate on their own. Short for Foley's catheter and also called "indwelling catheter," this rubber device is inserted into the bladder into the opening from which urine comes out. After insertion, the tip of the tube is inflated to form a balloon so that the catheter doesn't slip out.

Purpose

• The purpose of the catheter is to bypass the function of the kidney. Urine that is collected in the bladder is drained directly out of it through this tube instead of reaching the kidneys. The urine is collected in a drainage bag, which is normally tied to the patient's thighs if the patient is mobile or to the leg of the bed if the patient is bedridden. Typically, people who use this instrument are those who develop an infection following surgery; those with prostate gland enlargement; those with incontinence and bedridden patients. The duration for which the tube is to be placed into the patient's urethra is determined by the doctor.

  There is a long list of instructions for taking care of catheters. The most important of these relates to proper hygiene. This is critical because the patient is already weak; any infection or aggravation can worsen the situation.

Drainage Bags

• Caring for the drainage bags is the most important part of catheter care. Do not allow urine to collect in the bag for more than four hours at the most. When it is time to drain it, wash hands properly with soap and water. Untie the lower leg strap or unbind the catheter from the leg. Remove the cap and open the clamp. Make sure you don't touch the urine or the drain port with your hands. Drain the urine into the toilet, then wipe the port with cotton and povidone iodine and close it back up. If patients have a larger bag, wash your hands and then remove the green tubing from the plastic holder by squeezing the metal clamp. Empty the bag into the toilet, making sure again that the tube doesn't touch the toilet. Finally, put the clamp back.

Care

• Some important rules of hygiene need to be followed in catheter care to prevent infection. It is important for the patient to avoid getting constipated or excreting less urine then normal. The simple solution to these two problems is to drink as much water and fluids as you can. This will result in more urine formation and also prevent constipation. Intake of fruit and fibrous foods also helps a lot.

  It is equally important to take good care of the catheter. Completely avoid tugging it; applying powder or lotion around it; and avoid caffeine and tobacco as well sexual intercourse. Call the doctor if there is pain at the site of insertion; if there is no urine collection for four hours or when there is a sensation of urinating; if there is a change in the color of the urine or there is blood in it; and/or if there is any discomfort in the pelvic area.