Nursing Component Task
Nursing procedures & clinical learning

General Nursing (RGN)

CARE OF AN INDWELLING URINARY CATHETER

Indwelling urinary catheter care maintains a closed drainage system, cleans the meatus and catheter without trauma, promotes unobstructed urine flow, and reduces catheter-associated urinary tract infection. Care is performed according to the patient’s needs and local infection-prevention policy.

Purpose

  • Maintain hygiene and comfort
  • Reduce infection and urethral trauma
  • Maintain unobstructed drainage and accurate output measurement
  • Identify early signs of obstruction, infection, or tissue injury

Indications

  • A patient with a clinically indicated indwelling urinary catheter
  • Routine hygiene and assessment during catheterization
  • A prescribed need to empty or measure the drainage bag

Equipment

  • Clean trolley and disposable gloves
  • Basin with warm water and mild soap or approved cleanser
  • Clean washcloths and towels
  • Waterproof pad
  • Appropriate PPE
  • Graduated measuring container
  • Securement device and replacement closed drainage bag only if indicated
  • Documentation and intake-output chart

Preparation

  • Review the indication daily and question unnecessary catheter continuation through the appropriate clinician.
  • Assess pain, mobility, skin integrity, hydration, and the patient’s understanding of catheter care.

Procedure steps

  • Verify patient identity, catheter indication, allergies, and care plan; explain the procedure and provide privacy.
  • Perform hand hygiene, prepare equipment, and position the patient safely while maintaining dignity.
  • Inspect the catheter, meatus, tubing, securement, drainage bag, urine colour, clarity, odour, and amount before cleaning.
  • Put on clean gloves, place a waterproof pad, and expose only the perineal area.
  • Clean the meatus and catheter from the cleanest area outward using a fresh cloth or swab for each stroke; for a penis, replace the foreskin after cleaning.
  • Clean along the catheter away from the meatus for the prescribed distance without pulling or twisting it.
  • Keep the drainage system closed, ensure the tubing is unkinked, and secure it without tension below bladder level.
  • Empty the bag into a clean graduated container without allowing the outlet to touch the container; measure and record output.
  • Remove the pad and gloves, perform hand hygiene, reposition the patient, and dispose of or decontaminate equipment.
  • Reassess comfort and catheter function, teach the patient not to pull or disconnect the system, and document findings and escalation.

Precautions

  • Do not routinely disconnect or irrigate a closed system unless specifically prescribed and performed using aseptic technique.
  • Keep the bag below bladder level and off the floor; prevent dependent loops and kinks.
  • Do not apply antibiotic ointment routinely unless prescribed; routine antiseptic meatal cleaning is not a substitute for asepsis.
  • Report fever, suprapubic pain, new confusion, haematuria, leakage, blockage, or reduced output promptly.

Aftercare

  • Maintain privacy, comfort, securement, and free drainage after the procedure.
  • Encourage appropriate fluid intake when not contraindicated and reinforce hand hygiene before and after handling the system.

Documentation

  • Record meatal and perineal condition, urine colour and appearance, output, catheter and bag status, care given, and patient tolerance.
  • Document concerns, escalation, specimen collection, or change in the catheter plan.

Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.

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