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How to Change an Urinary Catheter?

Published in Catheter Care 4 mins read

The provided material only describes changing a urine bag, not the catheter itself. Changing an indwelling urinary catheter is a sterile procedure that requires training and should only be performed by qualified healthcare professionals. It is strongly advised NOT to attempt this procedure without proper training and supervision. Here's a general overview of what's involved, but it's not a substitute for professional instruction:

Important Note: This is a simplified overview. The actual procedure may vary based on the specific type of catheter, individual patient needs, and institutional protocols.

Reasons for Catheter Change:

  • Blockage
  • Damage to the catheter
  • As part of routine care based on manufacturer recommendations and institutional policy.
  • Infection

Contraindications:

  • Lack of appropriate training or experience.
  • Active bleeding or trauma in the urethra.
  • Known allergy to catheter materials (e.g., latex).

Materials Needed (Sterile):

  • Sterile gloves
  • Sterile drapes
  • Sterile lubricant (e.g., lidocaine gel)
  • Sterile water or saline for balloon inflation (if applicable)
  • Appropriate size and type of new urinary catheter
  • Syringe (usually 10cc) for balloon inflation/deflation
  • Sterile collection container
  • Antiseptic solution (e.g., chlorhexidine)
  • Forceps or clamp (optional)
  • Gauze pads
  • Biohazard disposal bag

Procedure (General Overview - Do NOT attempt without proper training):

  1. Preparation:

    • Explain the procedure to the patient and ensure privacy.
    • Position the patient appropriately (usually supine).
    • Perform hand hygiene thoroughly.
    • Open the catheterization kit, maintaining sterility.
    • Don sterile gloves.
    • Organize the sterile field with all necessary supplies.
  2. Catheter Removal:

    • Gently deflate the balloon completely using a syringe. Ensure the balloon is fully deflated to prevent trauma to the urethra.
    • Slowly and gently remove the existing catheter. Stop immediately if resistance is met. Do NOT force the catheter.
    • Observe the catheter tip for any abnormalities.
    • Dispose of the used catheter in a biohazard bag.
  3. Catheter Insertion:

    • Clean the perineal area with antiseptic solution using sterile technique.
    • Apply sterile lubricant to the insertion tip of the new catheter.
    • Gently insert the catheter into the urethra. In males, hold the penis perpendicular to the body and gently advance the catheter. Advance until urine flow is observed.
    • Advance the catheter a further 1-2 inches after urine flow begins.
    • Inflate the balloon with the correct amount of sterile water or saline as indicated on the catheter packaging.
    • Gently pull back on the catheter until resistance is felt, confirming the balloon is properly inflated and seated in the bladder.
    • Connect the catheter to the drainage bag.
  4. Post-Procedure:

    • Ensure the drainage bag is positioned below the level of the bladder.
    • Secure the catheter to the patient's thigh or abdomen to prevent pulling and trauma.
    • Document the procedure, catheter size, and any observations.
    • Monitor urine output.

Potential Complications:

  • Urinary tract infection (UTI)
  • Urethral trauma
  • Bleeding
  • Balloon inflation within the urethra
  • Paraphimosis (in uncircumcised males)

Changing the Urine Bag (as described in the provided YouTube transcript):

The transcript describes changing the urine bag, which is a simpler procedure than changing the entire catheter. Here's a summary:

  1. Perform hand hygiene.
  2. Position the new urine bag nearby.
  3. Disconnect the old urine bag from the catheter, maintaining aseptic technique (avoiding contamination).
  4. Connect the new urine bag to the catheter.
  5. Ensure the new urine bag is hung securely below the level of the bladder using a urine bag holder attached to the side of the bed.

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