Continuous Bladder/Catheter Irrigation

Continuous Bladder/Catheter Irrigation

Equipment
■ Three-way (or triple-lumen) indwelling catheter in place.
■ Sterile irrigation solution at room temperature.
■ Connecting tubing.
■ Antiseptic swab.
■ IV pole.
■ Bath blanket.
■ Measuring container.
■ Pair of clean procedure gloves.

Assessment
■ Assess:
■ Characteristics of the urine (e.g., amount, color, odor, presence of clots or mucus).
■ Bladder distention.
■ Patient discomfort.
■ Cognitive status.
■ Check the chart for the amount and type of sterile solution to use and length of time the irrigant is to remain in the bladder.

Post-Procedure Reassessment
■ Note:
■ Flow rate of irrigant and/or inability to instill irrigant into the catheter.
■ Characteristics of the urine (e.g., presence of output, color, amount, clots, mucus).
■ Patient report of discomfort (e.g., pain, spasms).
■ Bladder distention accompanied by lack of urine outflow.
■ Monitor urine output.

Key Points
■ Prepare the irrigation fluid and tubing:
■ Close the clamp on the connecting tubing.
■ Spike the tubing into the irrigation solution port, using aseptic technique.
■ Invert the container, and hang it on the IV pole.
■ Remove the protective cap from the distal end of the connecting tubing.
■ Hold the end of the tubing over a sink or other receptacle.
■ Open the roller clamp slowly, and allow the solution to fill the tubing completely.
■ Recap the tubing.
■ Perform hand hygiene and don clean procedure gloves.
■ Place the patient supine and drape her so that only the connection port on the indwelling catheter is visible.
■ Be Smart! Place a waterproof barrier drape under the irrigation port. If the irrigation kit comes with a sterile drape, use that.
■ Pinch the tubing. Using aseptic technique, connect the end of the irrigation tubing to the side port of the catheter.
■ Before beginning the flow of irrigation solution, empty any urine from the bedside drainage bag, and document the volume on the I&O record.
■ Remove your gloves and wash your hands.
■ Cover the patient, and return her to a position of comfort.
■ Open the roller clamp on the tubing, and regulate the flow of the irrigation solution to meet the desired outcome for the irrigation.

Documentation
■ Document:
■ Date and time of procedure, type of irrigant, and the total volume infused.
■ Characteristics of the urine (e.g., color, odor, clarity, sediment, presence of clots or mucus).
■ Evidence of catheter patency (e.g., flow of urine, absence of distention).

Setup for irrigating the bladder or catheter

Triple lumen irrigation catheter