Catheter care refers to the proper cleaning and maintenance of a urinary catheter (a tube inserted into the bladder to drain urine). It’s essential to prevent infections and keep the patient comfortable.
🩺 Why catheter care is important
Good catheter care helps prevent:
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
- Skin irritation or breakdown
- Blockages in the catheter
- Discomfort and odor
🧼 Daily catheter care (step-by-step)
1. Wash your hands thoroughly
Use soap and water before and after care.
2. Clean the catheter area
- Use warm water and mild soap
- Gently clean around where the catheter enters the body (urethral opening)
- For females: clean front to back
- For males: clean around the tip of the penis
3. Clean the catheter tubing
- Wipe from the insertion site outward (away from the body)
- Do not pull or tug the tube
4. Dry the area
- Pat dry with a clean towel (do not rub)
💧 Drainage bag care
- Keep the bag below bladder level at all times
- Empty the bag when it is ½ to ⅔ full
- Do not let the outlet valve touch anything when emptying
- Clean the drainage spout with alcohol or antiseptic if available
⚠️ Important tips
- Avoid kinks or loops in the tubing
- Secure the catheter to the thigh to prevent pulling
- Do not disconnect the catheter unless instructed
- Ensure continuous urine flow
🚨 Watch for warning signs
Contact a healthcare provider if you notice:
- Cloudy, foul-smelling, or bloody urine
- Fever or chills
- Pain or burning sensation
- No urine draining
- Redness or swelling around insertion site
🛏️ Who needs catheter care?
- Bedridden patients
- Post-surgery patients
- Elderly individuals
- Patients with urinary retention or incontinence
To learn more about these services, give us a call at (678) 907-3454 or send us a message at
www.integrityhomecareandnursing.com
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