Care of an Indwelling Urinary Catheter

Procedure

1. Review daily whether the catheter is still needed, and remove it as soon as it is not.
2. Wash hands before and after any contact with the catheter or drainage system.
3. Perform meatal hygiene with soap and water once daily and after each bowel action — no antiseptics.
4. Keep the closed system intact; never disconnect it to take samples or to empty.
5. Keep the drainage bag below bladder level and off the floor at all times.
6. Secure the catheter to the thigh to prevent traction and urethral trauma.
7. Empty the bag when two-thirds full, using a clean container for each patient and a clean glove.
8. Ensure the tubing is free of kinks and dependent loops, and keep drainage flowing.
9. Encourage a fluid intake of 2–3 litres daily unless it is restricted.
10. Observe for cloudy urine, sediment, bypassing, fever or suprapubic pain, and record output and catheter care given.