【Major points】

1. Secure the urinary catheter to an appropriate site to prevent it from being pulled during movement.
2. Avoid kinking or compressing the urinary catheter when moving or turning in bed.
3. Empty the urine bag every 8 hours or when it is more than half full.
4. Keep the urine bag below the level of the bladder to prevent urine from flowing back and causing infection.

What is an indwelling urinary catheter?
The indwelling urinary catheter is a hollow rubber/silicone tube that is inserted through the urethra into the bladder to drain urine. There is a balloon at the front end that can fix the tube in the bladder. The end of the tube will be connected to a closed urine collection bag.
 

Why Is an indwelling urinary catheter needed?

An indwelling urinary catheter is usually used for patients with urinary problems (such as difficulty urinating or after urinary tract or nearby tissue surgery etc.) or for treatment purposes, such as monitoring urine output, receiving general or regional anesthesia during surgery, or prolonged bed rest.

What supplies are needed for an indwelling urinary catheter?

Disposable gloves, alcohol-free wet wipes, warm water or a mild cleansing solution, breathable paper tape or catheter securement tape, and waterproof underpads.

Care principles for patients with an indwelling urinary catheter

1. An indwelling urinary catheter increases the risk of urinary tract infection. To keep the catheter draining properly and prevent infection, it should be removed as soon as it is no longer needed.
2. Care tips for patients with an indwelling urinary catheter:
   1. You may wear clean gloves if needed. Wash your hands before and after handling the urinary catheter or urine bag.
   2. Secure the urinary catheter at an appropriate site. When moving or turning in bed, avoid pulling on the catheter to prevent urethral injury, bleeding, and discomfort. For bedridden patients, avoid kinking the catheter or lying on the tubing.
   3. For female patients, secure the catheter to the inner thigh with breathable paper tape or a catheter securement strap. For male patients, secure it to the lower abdomen.
   4. Clean the urethral opening with water or a mild cleansing solution at least once a day. Keep the area clean and dry.
   5. For patients with a long-term indwelling urinary catheter, routine catheter and urine bag replacement is not necessary. Replace them only if the catheter slips out, becomes blocked, leaks, is damaged, or if crystals, sediment, or an unusual odor are present.
3. Urine bag care :
   1. Wash your hands before and after handling the urine bag.
   2. Empty the urine bag every 8 hours or when it is more than half full to prevent urine from flowing back and causing infection.
   3. When emptying the urine bag, do not let the outlet touch the ground or the urine container. Close the outlet afterward to keep the system closed and prevent contamination.
   4. Keep the catheter and urine bag securely connected.
   5. Keep the urine bag below the bladder to prevent backflow and infection. If using a leg bag, secure it to your lower leg with a comfortable fit.
4. Dietary advice:
   1. It is recommended to drink more than 2,000 mL of water each day. However, patients with heart disease, older adults, or those on fluid restriction should consult their doctor before increasing their fluid intake.
   2. Eat more acidic foods, such as cranberries and foods rich in vitamin C, to help reduce urinary sediment and prevent catheter blockage.