Catheter Care (Indwelling Urinary Catheter)
Catheter care reduces the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) by keeping the catheter and meatus clean.
1Step-by-Step Procedure
- 1
Gather equipment: soap and water or catheter care kit, washcloths, towel, gloves, waterproof pad.
- 2
Wash hands and put on gloves.
- 3
Identify the resident and explain the procedure.
- 4
Provide privacy.
- 5
Place a waterproof pad under the resident's buttocks.
- 6
Expose only the perineal area; keep other areas draped.
- 7
Observe the catheter tubing for kinks, loops, or tension; drainage bag should be below the bladder level.
- 8
For female residents: separate the labia and, using a clean washcloth section with soap and water, cleanse from the urethral meatus outward (front to back) along the catheter tubing for approximately 4 inches. Use a clean section for each stroke.
- 9
For male residents: retract the foreskin if uncircumcised; cleanse from the urethral meatus outward in a circular motion; cleanse the catheter tubing outward for approximately 4 inches.
- 10
Rinse the area and catheter tubing thoroughly.
- 11
Pat dry the perineal area.
- 12
Secure the catheter tubing to the resident's inner thigh with a catheter securing device or tape to prevent traction.
- 13
Ensure the drainage tubing is not kinked and hangs freely below the bladder without touching the floor.
- 14
Ensure the collection bag is below bladder level and is not touching the floor.
- 15
Reposition the resident comfortably.
- 16
Remove waterproof pad.
- 17
Remove gloves and wash hands.
- 18
Document catheter care and urine output amount, color, clarity, and any unusual odor.
What the Examiner Is Watching For
- ✓
Cleansing moves away from the meatus (front to back or outward).
- ✓
Fresh washcloth section used for each stroke.
- ✓
Drainage bag is below bladder level and not on the floor.
- ✓
Catheter is secured to prevent traction on the meatus.
- ✓
Urine characteristics are observed and documented.
Common Mistakes That Cause Failure
- ⚠
Cleansing toward the meatus rather than away — this introduces bacteria into the urinary tract.
- ⚠
Allowing the drainage bag to rest on the floor — contamination risk.
- ⚠
Not securing the catheter tubing to the thigh.
- ⚠
Failing to observe urine color, clarity, and amount.
- ⚠
Not documenting the output after the procedure.
Tips for Exam Day
- →
Always cleanse away from the meatus — this is the most critical direction.
- →
Drainage bag below the bladder, never on the floor, never above the bladder.
- →
Secure the tubing to the thigh with gentle tape or a securing device.
- →
Report any cloudy, dark, bloody, or foul-smelling urine to the nurse immediately.
More Practice Resources
Equipment Used in This Skill
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