Procedure of Removing an Indwelling Catheter

Procedure of Removing an Indwelling Catheter

Equipment
■ Syringe (5 to 30 mL, depending on balloon size).
■ Towel or drape.
■ Towel to use as a receptacle for the catheter.
■ Hygiene supplies (washcloth, warm water, towel).

Assessment
■ Assess:
■ Cognitive level to determine whether the patient will be able to follow instructions.
■ For conditions that may impair the patient’s ability to assume the necessary position.
■ For bladder distention.
■ Assess perineum and meatus (e.g., color, swelling, crusting, drainage, lesions).

Post-Procedure Reassessment
■ Observe the condition of the meatus and the amount and characteristics of the urine; then monitor the next few voidings.
■ Note the time of first voiding and amount voided, and observe the urine for color, amount, odor, and presence of blood.
■ Compare voidings over the next 8 to 10 hours to the patient’s intake.
■ Monitor for bladder distention and signs and symptoms of infection.
■ Be Smart! Place a collection container in the commode if the patient is ambulatory.

Key Points
■ Use clean technique. Wash hands before and after removing the catheter. Wear clean procedure gloves.
■ Be sure to remove the tape securing the catheter to the patient.
■ Obtain a sterile specimen if needed.
■ Deflate the balloon completely by aspirating the fluid.
■ Be Smart! Check the balloon size on the valve port to verify that all fluid has been removed.
■ Be Safe! If you cannot aspirate all the fluid, do not pull on the catheter.

Documentation
■ Record:
■ Date and time the catheter was removed.
■ Amount of urine (on the I&O form).
■ Characteristics of urine (e.g., color, odor, cloudiness, turbidity, or blood).
■ Time the specimen was sent to the lab.
■ Amount of fluid removed from balloon.
■ Urine in drainage bag.
■ Notification of first void.
■ Unusual findings in your assessment of the perineum.
■ How the patient tolerated the procedure.
■ Patient teaching.