A catheter is a thin rubber tube inserted into the bladder to drain urine. It is secured with a small balloon and can remain in place for variable lengths of time. The catheter is connected to a bag to collect urine. Regular catheter care is needed to prevent infection, which includes cleaning the catheter area daily and keeping the urine bag below the level of the bladder. Signs of potential issues include a stopped or reduced urine output, wetness, cloudy or bloody urine, or pain and fever, and should be reported to a registered nurse.

1. An introduction

2.  A Catheter is a thin rubber tube which is put
into the bladder to drain urine from the body.
 After the catheter is inserted a small baloon is
inflated to keep it in place.
 A catheter can stay in the bladder for a short
or long time.

3.  The catheter will be connected to a bag to
collect the urine..
 Once fitted the catheter will need daily
attention to prevent infection and keep the
patient comfortable.

4.  Wash hands before and after giving catheter
care.
 Keep the skin and the catheter clean,clean
around the catheter at least once a day and
after every bowel movement.
 Always keep the urine bag below the level of
the bladder.Backflow of urine can cause
infection.

5.  Use cotton underwear.
 Ensure adequate fluid is taken, at least 1.5 L
per day, avoid excess caffeine.
 Avoid the catheter being pulled.
 Make sure the tubing is not kinked or looped
and when patient is in bed is not lying on the
catheter.

6.  Wash your hands and put on gloves
 Use a clean washcloth, warm water and soap
wash the genital area , wash front to back to
avoid transferring germs from the anal area.
 Holding the tubing to prevent it being pulled
wash around the catheter to remove any
blood, crust or mucus.
 Wash the anus last, pat area and catheter dry
with a clean towel.

7.  Attach the bag to the patients leg with the
straps provided ensuring the tubing is not
being pulled.
 Avoid disconnecting the bag to minimise the
risk of infection. A larger bag can be
connected to the leg bag at night.

8.  Urine can be emptied into a container or the
toilet.It may need to be measured.
 Always wash your hands and apply gloves.
 Without touching the tip of the drainage
spout open the valve.
 Let the urine drain into the container or the
toilet.Do not let the tube touch anything.
 Clean the end of the spout with water and a
tissue.

9.  Close the valve.
 Dispose of the urine.
 Remove gloves and wash your hands.
 Record how much urine emptied if necessary.

10.  Get a new bag.
 Wash your hands and apply gloves.
 Remove the old bag taking care not to allow
the catheter to touch anything, clean the end
of the catheter and the end of the tube to the
bag and attach, ensuring the valve is in the
closed position.
 Remove gloves and wash your hands

11.  Check for kinks, see if the tube is twisted or
bent.
 Ensure patient is not lying on the tube.
 Make sure the bag is lower than the bladder.
 Change position.
 Refer to Registered Nurse.

12.  Level of urine in bag has stopped rising.
 Bed or clothes are wet.
 Urine is thick or cloudy or has blood in it.
 Urine smells offensive.
 Pain in urethra,bladder abdomen or lower
back.
 High temperature.