Search the site for providers, locations, and content.
Main Menu
Recovery
URINARY CATHETER: HOW TO PREVENT INFECTION
URINARY CATHETER: HOW TO PREVENT INFECTIONTRANSCRIPTA urinary catheter should be used for the shortest amount of time possible. As longas you have your urinary catheter, it is important to do all you can to prevent infectionand keep it working properly to stay healthy.Avoiding infection is key. Clean the catheter area with soap and warm water at leasttwice a day. Clean the area after every bowel movement. Always wipe away from theinsertion site.Empty your bag regularly, when it is one third to half full and at bedtime. If it gets toofull, urine can flow back into your bladder and can cause infection.Always clean your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after caring foryour urinary catheter.Never let the drain spout touch anything, including the toilet. If it gets dirty, clean itwith soap and water or an alcohol swab.If the type of bag you are using needs to be washed, clean the drainage bag as oftenas directed by your healthcare provider.Keep your drainage bag below the level of your bladder at all times to avoid urinefrom flowing back into your bladder. Keep the pee below the knee.Each time you empty your drainage bag, check for signs of infection like: increasedpain, swelling, warmth or redness at the catheter area; blood or pus coming from thecatheter area; pain in your abdomen, pelvis, legs or back; a change in the color of yoururine, it may look cloudy, bloody or have blood clots in it; a foul odor from your urine;or a fever. If you notice any of these signs call your healthcare provider.To prevent long-term complications or infection, your healthcare provider will decidehow often the urinary catheter needs to be changed.20% gradient meshSometimes your healthcare provider will change it during a follow-up exam, ora home care nurse or care-giver will change it in your home. Always follow thehealthclipsdirections provided by your healthcare provider about when and how to change yourhealthclipscatheter to prevent infection or other complications.healthclipshealthclips4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_qc_10044_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient mesh
Learn that your catheter will be removed by your healthcare provider at the appropriate time and how to care for yourself after its removal.
Watch this to learn the steps for cleaning your tracheostomy.
Watch this video to learn what a surgical drain is, how it works, and why you may need one.
Learn the proper time and method to empty and clean your drainage bag.
