Supra-Pubic Catheter Care

1. Definition of "supra-pubic catheter."

1. It is a rubber tubing surgically inserted into the bladder directly through the lower abdomen.

2. It is performed to divert the flow of urine from the urethra.

2. How to perform catheter care.

1. Wash around the entrance area daily with soap and water.

2. Cleanse with betadine.

3. Cover with a 4" by 4" toper sponge pad that has a slit cut to fit around the catheter.

3. Care of catheter bags and tubing.

1. Change catheter bags at least every two weeks.

2. Between changes, wash the bag with a mixture of one and one fourth cup vinegar and two quarts water to cleanse bag and decrease odor.

3. Maintain good drainage by checking for kinks and loops in the tubing frequently.

4. Secure catheter tubing to leg to prevent pulling.

5. Keep drainage bag below level of bladder at all times to prevent infection.

6. Empty drainage bag at least two times a day and whenever needed.

4. How to empty a closed system drainage bag.

1. Unclamp drain tube and remove it from its sleeve without touching tip.

2. Let urine drain into toilet or measuring container, being careful not to let tip touch anything.

3. When bag is empty, swab tip of drain tube with alcohol.

5. How to change a leg bag to a night bag.

1. Empty urine from leg bag.

2. Swab connection between catheter and leg bag with alcohol, and then disconnect leg bag.

3. Cover opening to leg bag with a plastic cap.

4. Connect night bag securely to catheter.

5. Secure catheter with a leg strap, leaving slack in the line to prevent pulling.

6. Possible complications and how to respond to them.

1. Complication: Bladder spasms (symptoms are leakage of urine and pain in bladder area)

1. Prevent pulling or irritation on the bladder.

2. Notify physician of continued spasm.

2. Complication: Urinary tract infection (symptoms are cloudy urine, fever, and pain in bladder area)

1. Increase fluids to up to 2-3 quarts per day if not contraindicated.

2. Notify physician.

3. Complication: Blocked catheter (symptoms are lack of urine drainage and firm, distended abdomen)

1. Attempt to irrigate, but do not force if resistance is met.

2. Notify visiting nurse.

3. If nurse is not available, go to emergency room to have catheter changed.

4. Complication: Bleeding

1. Irrigate catheter.

2. Notify physician if urine does not clear.

5. Complication: Leaking

1. Consider possible causes, such as constipation, bladder spasms, or blockage.

2. Irrigate catheter.

3. Call nurse if leaking continues.