Care of Indwelling Catheter

Department of Urology, Concord Repatriation General Hospital
3. Open outlet tap for free drainage and adjust straps for comfort and
alignment.
4. Support night bag on wire hanger by the bed in a downhill direction.
5. Each morning disconnect the night bag and ensure leg bag outlet
tap is closed.
6. If the night bag is disposable cut the bag and empty urine into toilet,
then dispose of the bag. If the night bag is reusable empty all the
urine into the toilet and clean the bag so it can be used again. (See
cleaning drainage bags for how to clean reusable bags).
POSSIBLE PROBLEMS AND WHAT TO DO
• Catheter leakage
• (by passing)
• Bladder spasm
• (cramps)
• No Urine Draining
• Urinary Tract Infection
• Cloudy smelling urine
• Pain and soreness
• Discharge
• Bleeding
• Catheter falls out
• Ensure there are no kinks
• Ensure you eat high fibre diet to
avoid constipation
• Ensure you drink more than 2
litre of fluid each day.
• Ensure catheter and bag are
secured to reduce irritation to
your bladder or urethra.
• Check for kinks.
• Ensure bag is below bladder
level.
• Milk the catheter.
• Drink more fluids if needed.
• Drink plenty of fluid, at least 2
litres/day
• Contact your nurse or doctor
• Contact your nurse or doctor
Care of Indwelling Catheter.doc Page 2 of 2 August 2010