GUIDE TO URINARY CATHETER SUPPLIES
The Importance of Catheter Care
Urinary catheters are used when a patient is unable to void urine independently. Intermittent catheters are used on-demand, usually when a patient is able to catheterize without assistance. This type of catheter will be inserted when needed and removed after voiding is complete. Foley catheters are intended to remain in place for an extended period of time. This type of catheter is usually inserted and removed by a healthcare professional. External catheters, made for both men and women, are noninvasive alternatives typically used to manage incontinence. To maintain optimal health, careful handling and good catheter care is a must no matter which catheter type is employed.
Catheterized patients are prone to CAUTI (or catheter-associated urinary tract infections) as germs and bacteria can find their way into the bladder or kidney through the inserted device. The longer a catheter is in place, the greater risk of possible infection. A consistent maintenance routine, including hygienic insertion, regular cleansing, timely replacement, and flushing, helps to mitigate that risk. Other catheter supplies like lubricants, extension tubes, insertion kits, and antiseptic wipes add convenience to the catheterization process.
HOW TO TAKE CARE OF A FOLEY CATHETER AT HOME
Clean Your Catheter Regularly
While taking a bath is not recommended when catheterized, showers are welcomed and a convenient place to wash your catheter. Healthcare professionals recommend showering with a night bag rather than a leg bag. Whether you choose to clean it in the shower or otherwise, scrub your hands with warm soap and water before beginning the process. To clean the catheter, use a mild soap and warm water on a clean washcloth. Begin at the point where the catheter enters the body and work your way towards the urine collection bag. Be sure to lift the labia or foreskin to reach all areas. Rinse thoroughly, towel dry, and replace the catheter securement device if need be.
Recommended Supplies:
- Clean Washcloth
- Clean Towel
- Mild Soap
- Catheter Securement Device
Change Your Urine Drainage Bag Regularly
You will most likely change your urine collection bag twice each day as you transition from a night bag to a leg bag. After gathering your supplies, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Empty the drainage bag taking care to avoid contact between any part of the catheter system and the toilet or urine container. Place a clean cloth on the surface below the catheter tubing to absorb leaks or spills. Using your fingers or a catheter clamp, pinch the tubing and disconnect the bag. Clean the end of the catheter with an alcohol pad or antiseptic wipe. With a second wipe, clean the connector on the new bag and attach it to your catheter. Release the clamp or your finger pinch and check your connections for leakage. Also, inspect the tubing for kinks. If changing to a leg bag, secure it below the knee with a leg bag holder or straps. Add a catheter securement device to keep the tubing in place. Extension tubing is available in the instance the provided tube is too short.
Recommended Supplies:
- Clean Cloth or Towel
- Toilet or Container to Catch Urine
- Antiseptic Wipes
- Catheter Clamp
- Extension Tube
- Catheter Securement Device
- Leg Bag Strap/Holder or Hanging System for Night Bags
Clean Your Urine Drainage Bags Regularly
As always when working with your catheter equipment, start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. Then, using a washcloth or towelette, clean the outside of the urine drainage bag with soap and water. Fill the bag with a mix of three parts warm water and one part white vinegar, shake, and let sit for 15 to 30 minutes to resolve unpleasant odors. Rinse with cool water and hang dry. Once the bag is fully dry, you can reuse it. Experts recommend replacing your urine drainage bag and catheter valves every 7 days.
In some instances, typically following surgical procedures or as a result of some kidney or urinary disorders, blood clots and debris may build up in the bladder preventing the freeflow of urine through the catheter. To avoid unnecessary pain and infection, bladder irrigation should be performed on a regular basis until no longer necessary. Specially designed catheters called 3-way Foley catheters and bladder irrigation products are available to safely flush sterile saline solution through the catheter into the bladder.
Antiseptic wipes or towelettes should be used to prep the surrounding skin to avoid cross-contamination during the insertion or removal process.
Bladder irrigation products are essential to wash out the bladder when deposits or clots are problematic. These safe and effective products are sold separately or in kits including sterile saline solution, bulb syringes, collection trays, containers, tip protectors, waterproof drapes and alcohol wipes.
Catheter stabilization devices, like Statlock devices, are an effective alternative to medical tape for the securement of catheter tubing. Stabilizers also prevent the traumatic pulling often associated with unsecured tubing.
Insertion kits, or catheterization kits, include everything you need for safe and hygienic self-cathing. Typically included are trays along with essential products like sanitizing swabs, sterile lubricants, exam gloves, underpads, or protective sheets. In some cases, a catheter may also be packaged within the kit.
For both self-cathing in a home setting or catheterizing patients in a medical environment, sterile lubricants are a necessity for minimizing pain and discomfort when inserting a catheter. Sterile lubricants also provide an added layer of protection from bacteria entering the urethra during the catheterization process.
Catheter tubes are used to connect Foley, intermittent, or external catheters to urine collection bags. Separately sold, extension tubing can make daytime activity and sleep movement more comfortable. Most extension tubing is latex-free, made from durable vinyl, and can be simply cut to length.
Flexible and breathable, leg bag holders conform to the patient’s calf or thigh with light compression to securely and discreetly hold the bag in place. Leg straps are available with velcro, snap, and button fasteners.
Catheter clamps and valves stop the flow of urine through the catheter tube during drainage bag changes or temporary removal. Catheter plugs and caps are used with indwelling devices to help prevent infection-causing lumen occlusion.
TYPES OF URINARY CATHETER PRODUCTS