Bladder irrigation involves flushing the bladder with a liquid to cleanse it and relieve conditions like infections. Normal saline or prescribed medications are commonly used. Strict asepsis must be followed. The fluid is gently instilled and allowed to drain by gravity through a urinary catheter. The amount instilled and drained is recorded, along with the color and characteristics of the drainage, to monitor the effectiveness and for the patient's care plan.

1. BLADDER IRRIGATION
BY
Manju Mulamoottil Abraham

2. Definition
To flush out the urinary bladder with a liquid.

3. Purposes
Ø To cleans the bladder from decomposed urine, bacteria,
excess of mucus, pus and blood clots.
Ø To maintain the patency of the urinary catheter.
Ø To relieve congestion and pain in case of inflammatory
conditions by the application of heat.
Ø To promote healing.
Ø To prevent the clot formation in case of bladder surgeries.
Ø To prevent and treat infections.
Ø To arrest bleeding.

4. Solutions used
Ø Normal saline
Ø Presribed medicated solutions

5. General instructions
Ø Should not be done without written order.
Ø As far as possible, bladder irrigation are to be
avoided.
Ø The safest and most effective means of irrigating
the urinary system is by “internal irrigation”
ØThe fluid should be instilled gently and allowed to
drain back by gravity.
Ø If the fluid flows easily into the bladder but fails to
return, there is a clot over the eye of the catheter
ØIn such situation no more fluid is introduced into
the bladder but try to dislodge the clot by milking
the tubing.

6. Ø Practice strict aseptic technique. All the
articles that are used for the irrigation must be
sterile.
Ø Wash hand before and after the procedure
Ø Maintain an accurate records of the amount
of fluid used for irrigation and the total amount
of urinary drainage. Subtract the total amount
of fluid used, from the total amount of urinary
drainage to find out the amount of urine
secreted by the kidneys.

7. Ø Irrigation are carried out until the return
flow is clear.
Ø The color of the drainage should be
checked and recorded.
ØIf bleeding takes place stop the procedure
and inform to the doctor. Record the
procedure on the nurse’s record with date
and time. Recorded procedure should
include- purposes, amount and kind of the
solution used, amount and characteristics
of the drainage from the bladder, result of
irrigation, any complication etc.

8. Articles required
Sterile Gloves
Towel and mackintosh
Asepto syringe
Sterile drainage tubing and bag in place
Sterile antiseptic swab
Kidney tray

9. Procedure Preliminary assessment-
Ø Check physician’s order and nursing care plan for
types, amount strength of irrigating fluid and reason
for irrigation.
Ø Explain the procedure to the patient
Ø Provide privacy and drape for the patient
Ø Empty, measure and record the amount and
appearance of urine present in the urine bag
Ø Arrange the articles
Ø Wash hands.
Ø Done the gloving.

10. Ø Instill the prescribed amount of irrigant.
Ø If specific amount is not ordered, fillup to 150 ml of
irrigant .
Ø Clamp the irrigant tubing
Ø Wait for the prescribed length of time
Ø Open the clamp monitor the drainage as it flows
into the drainage tube.

11. Procedure After care-
Ø Tape the catheter securely to the thigh
Ø Assess the patient’s condition and tolerance
of the procedure
Ø Discard all used disposable articles, clean
and replace reusable articles Wash hands
Ø Record procedure in nurse’s record.

12. •Manju M Abraham