Care of Indwelling Catheter
Care of Indwelling Catheter
Care of Indwelling Catheter
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Department <strong>of</strong> Urology, Concord Repatriation General Hospital<br />
CARE OF INDWELLING CATHETER<br />
AND DRAINAGE BAGS AT HOME<br />
• A link drainage system is recommended for use at home which<br />
consists <strong>of</strong> a leg bag and a night drainage bag (with or without a<br />
tap).<br />
• Leg bag can remain attached to the catheter for up to a week and<br />
then discarded.<br />
• Do not disconnect the leg bag at any time unless it is time to change<br />
bag.<br />
• Empty the leg bag when it is 3/4 full.<br />
• Secure the leg bag on thigh and adjust straps regularly to ensure<br />
support.<br />
• The night drainage bag without tap is disposable and is to be<br />
discarded after each use.<br />
How to change leg bag<br />
Equipment<br />
Sterile Leg Bag<br />
Cotton ball, wet with methylated spirits.<br />
Method:<br />
1. Change the leg bag after shower.<br />
2. Wash hands with soap and running water.<br />
3. Hold the end <strong>of</strong> the catheter with one hand throughout the<br />
procedure.<br />
4. Clean the connection with the cotton ball and methylated spirits.<br />
5. Disconnect the used bag.<br />
6. Remove blue cap from the new bag and attach bag to the<br />
catheter.<br />
7. Watch for sign <strong>of</strong> urine flow.<br />
8. Secure leg bag to thigh.<br />
9. Ensure catheter is not kinked and outlet tap is closed <strong>of</strong>f.<br />
How to set up link system at night<br />
1. Clean leg bag outlet tap with methylated spirit.<br />
2. Remove cap from night bag and connect onto outlet tap <strong>of</strong> leg<br />
bag.<br />
<strong>Care</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Indwelling</strong> <strong>Catheter</strong>.doc Page 1 <strong>of</strong> 2 August 2010
Department <strong>of</strong> Urology, Concord Repatriation General Hospital<br />
3. Open outlet tap for free drainage and adjust straps for comfort and<br />
alignment.<br />
4. Support night bag on wire hanger by the bed in a downhill direction.<br />
5. Each morning disconnect the night bag and ensure leg bag outlet<br />
tap is closed.<br />
6. If the night bag is disposable cut the bag and empty urine into toilet,<br />
then dispose <strong>of</strong> the bag. If the night bag is reusable empty all the<br />
urine into the toilet and clean the bag so it can be used again. (See<br />
cleaning drainage bags for how to clean reusable bags).<br />
POSSIBLE PROBLEMS AND WHAT TO DO<br />
• <strong>Catheter</strong> leakage<br />
• (by passing)<br />
• Bladder spasm<br />
• (cramps)<br />
• No Urine Draining<br />
• Urinary Tract Infection<br />
• Cloudy smelling urine<br />
• Pain and soreness<br />
• Discharge<br />
• Bleeding<br />
• <strong>Catheter</strong> falls out<br />
• Ensure there are no kinks<br />
• Ensure you eat high fibre diet to<br />
avoid constipation<br />
• Ensure you drink more than 2<br />
litre <strong>of</strong> fluid each day.<br />
• Ensure catheter and bag are<br />
secured to reduce irritation to<br />
your bladder or urethra.<br />
• Check for kinks.<br />
• Ensure bag is below bladder<br />
level.<br />
• Milk the catheter.<br />
• Drink more fluids if needed.<br />
• Drink plenty <strong>of</strong> fluid, at least 2<br />
litres/day<br />
• Contact your nurse or doctor<br />
• Contact your nurse or doctor<br />
<strong>Care</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Indwelling</strong> <strong>Catheter</strong>.doc Page 2 <strong>of</strong> 2 August 2010
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