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Catheter Care (Indwelling Urinary Catheter)

Catheter care reduces the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) by keeping the catheter and meatus clean.

18 steps·5 evaluator checkpoints·5 common mistakes

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.

⚠
Cleansing toward the meatus rather than away — this introduces bacteria into the urinary tract.
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Allowing the drainage bag to rest on the floor — contamination risk.
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Not securing the catheter tubing to the thigh.
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Failing to observe urine color, clarity, and amount.
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Not documenting the output after the procedure.

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Always cleanse away from the meatus — this is the most critical direction.
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Drainage bag below the bladder, never on the floor, never above the bladder.
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Secure the tubing to the thigh with gentle tape or a securing device.
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Report any cloudy, dark, bloody, or foul-smelling urine to the nurse immediately.

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Physical Care Skills makes up 45% of the written exam — the same procedures you just reviewed will appear as multiple-choice questions.

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