CARING FOR YOUR URINARY CATHETER GRAMPIANS REGIONAL CONTINENCE SERVICE. Author: GRCS Date: 20/06/09 Catalogue No:

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1 CARING FOR YOUR URINARY CATHETER GRAMPIANS REGIONAL CONTINENCE SERVICE Author: GRCS Date: 20/06/09 Catalogue No:

2 What is a urinary catheter? A urinary catheter is a hollow tube which drains urine from the bladder. The catheter is kept in the bladder by an inflatable balloon. Your doctor or nurse will explain why your catheter is necessary and the length of time it is required. There are different sizes and brands of catheters and, depending on the type, they can remain in the bladder for up to three months without needing to be changed. Where does the urine drain to? The end of the catheter is attached to a drainage bag, which is attached to the leg and collects the urine. Your nurse or doctor will help select the correct size and type of catheter suitable for you along with the most appropriate leg bag, overnight bag or bottle. An alternative to using a drainage bag may be a urine drainage catheter valve but this needs to be discussed with your doctor or nurse as it may not be appropriate for you. Where are the GRCS sites located? BALLARAT Ballarat Health Service - Rehabilitation Centre 102 Ascot Street South, Ballarat 3350 Telephone: Facsimile: BACCHUS MARSH Djerriwarrh Health Services Consulting Rooms Turner Street, Bacchus Marsh 3340 Telephone: Facsimile: DAYLESFORD Daylesford Community Health Centre 18 Hospital Street, Daylesford Telephone: Facsimile: ARARAT East Grampians Health Service Community Centre Girdlestone Street, Ararat 3377 Phone:

3 Future supply of catheters and drainage bag/ bottle Name: Catheter brand: Catheter size: Frequency of catheter change: Routine catheter changes will be performed by Contact details: Leg bag brand: Leg bag capacity: Overnight drainage: Other equipment: Supplier: A&EP CAAS DVA Linkages Other Contact details: Name: Telephone: Continence Nurse: Leg urinary drainage bag A drainage bag can be attached to your upper thigh or calf to collect the urine and gives you freedom of movement. The tubing on the bags can vary in length, so it is important for your comfort that the most appropriate one has been chosen. There are different capacity leg drainage bags, the most common being 500 mls and 750 mls. Due to the capacity, the drainage bag will require frequent emptying. The drainage bag needs to be secured to your thigh or calf with Velcro straps, or an alternative such as Leggifix. You can discuss these options with your nurse to ensure the most appropriate way to conceal it under your clothes. Overnight, a larger capacity bag (2 litres) or drainage bottle (4 litres) can be attached directly into the end of the leg drainage bag. Ensure the tap on the leg bag is left opened so the urine can flow into the larger container.

4 Caring for your catheter Gently wash around the area where the catheter is inserted using warm water with unscented soap. A daily shower or bath is recommended if possible and dry the area thoroughly with a soft towel. Do not disconnect the leg bag from the catheter when showering or bathing. Powder or deodorant is not to be used near catheter insertion site as it can cause contamination to the catheter leading to an infection. Ensure the catheter and drainage bag is well supported when showering or bathing. Leg straps can stay in position and then be changed to dry straps when dressing. Ensure there is no contamination of the catheter following bowel motions. Always wash your hands before and after attending to your catheter or emptying the drainage bag/bottle. Problem solving What if there is blood in my urine? A small amount of blood can make the urine look quite red Increase fluid intake to encourage urine drainage If blood persists, report it to your doctor or nurse What if there is sediment or debris in my urine? Ensure an adequate fluid intake to ensure pale, clear urine is draining Contact the nurse who changes your catheter as the catheter may require changing if blockage is occurring Does constipation affect my catheter? Constipation can prevent the catheter from draining Constipation can cause urine leakage around the catheter Ensure a well balanced diet and a good fluid intake If constipation is an issue contact your doctor or nurse

5 Problem solving What if there is urine leakage? Ensure an adequate fluid intake to ensure pale, clear urine is draining Ensure the tubing is not bent or kinked If there is obvious debris in the tubing change drainage bag Contact the nurse who changes your catheter as the catheter may require changing Ensure regular soft bowel motions What if the catheter falls out and I can pass urine? Call your nurse in office hours so the catheter can be reinserted What if the catheter falls out and I can not pass urine? Contact your nurse immediately If unable to contact, attend emergency department Ensure to take a new catheter with you in case it requires changing Will my sexual function be affected with the catheter? No, the catheter can be taped out of the way during intercourse, do not hesitate to discuss this with your nurse or doctor Care of the urine drainage bag The urine can be emptied down the toilet, or into a container kept only for this purpose, by opening the outlet tap at the bottom of the drainage bag. Close the outlet tap once the bag has emptied, ensuring not to touch the outlet where the urine drained from. The drainage bag will need to be changed on a weekly basis and replaced with a new bag. Wash hands and remove the cap from the new drainage bag. Gently pinch the end of the catheter to prevent urine leakage and pull/twist the tubing of the drainage bag to disconnect it from the catheter. Slowly push the connector of the new drainage bag into the opened end of the catheter. Secure the drainage bag to your thigh or calf with Velcro straps, or an alternative such as Leggifix. Ensure you wash your hands after attending to the drainage bag or catheter.

6 Care of the overnight drainage bag/bottle To attach the overnight tubing, remove the cap from the tubing and keep the cap so it can be used the following morning when the night tubing is removed. Slowly and gently push the night bag connector into the outlet tap of the leg bag. Always check that the outlet on the night drainage bag is closed or the plug in the night bottle is removed as this will allow for the urine to drain. The nurse can advise you on the most appropriate night container. The night bag can hang on a stand and the drainage bottle can stand beside the bed. In the morning, close the outlet tap on your leg bag then remove the night drainage system. Empty the drainage bag/bottle and rinse it through with warm soapy water. Allow the bag/bottle/tubing to drain thoroughly for the next night s use and store in a clean dry area. The drainage bag is to be changed weekly and the bottle/tubing changed as required. Problem solving What if bladder spasms or cramps occur when a new catheter has been inserted? They usually pass within 24 hours. If they persist, inform your doctor What if no urine drains for several hours? Ensure an adequate fluid intake to ensure pale, clear urine is draining Ensure the tubing is not bent or kinked Reposition drainage bag to ensure it is connected correctly Ensure the drainage bag is below bladder level If there is obvious debris discuss with nurse or doctor What if no urine drains for an extended period of time and there is abdominal discomfort? Contact your doctor or attend emergency department Ensure to take a new catheter with you in case it requires changing