An indwelling suprapubic catheter is a medical device used to drain urine in patients with urinary problems. Changing the indwelling suprapubic catheter regularly is essential to prevent infections and other complications. In this comprehensive blog post, we will discuss the procedure and guidelines for changing an indwelling suprapubic catheter, as well as important points of attention and practical tips.
What is an Indwelling Suprapubic Catheter? #
An indwelling suprapubic catheter is a catheter that is inserted directly into the bladder through a small opening in the lower abdomen, just above the pubic bone. This catheter is used when a urethral catheterization is not possible or not suitable for the patient.
When should an Indwelling Suprapubic Catheter be changed? #
An indwelling suprapubic catheter should be changed regularly to prevent infections and other problems. The exact frequency of the change may vary depending on the guidelines of the healthcare facility and the individual needs of the patient. In general, it is recommended to change the suprapubic indwelling catheter every 4-6 weeks, unless there are specific indications for earlier replacement.
Procedure for Changing an Indwelling Suprapubic Catheter #
The procedure for changing an indwelling suprapubic catheter involves several steps. It is important to follow the procedure carefully and apply proper aseptic techniques to prevent infections. Here is an overview of the procedure:
Step 1: Preparation #
– Gather the necessary materials, including a sterile catheterization kit, sterile gloves, sterile water, and a sterile bandage.
– Wash your hands thoroughly and put on sterile gloves.
Step 2: Cleaning the Catheter Insert #
– Clean the catheter insertion site carefully with sterile water and a sterile gauze or sponge.
– Carefully dry the catheter insertion site with sterile gauze.
Step 3: Removing the Old Catheter #
– Loosen the connection between the catheter and the drainage bag.
– Gently pull on the catheter to remove it from the opening in the abdomen.
Keep the catheter taut during removal to prevent the catheter from falling back into the bladder.
Step 4: Inserting the New Catheter #
– Open the sterile catheterization kit and gently insert the new catheter into the opening in the abdomen. Follow the instructions of the catheterization kit for inserting the catheter.
– Attach the new catheter securely to the abdomen using a sterile bandage.
Step 5: Connecting the New Catheter to the Drainage Bag #
– Connect the new catheter to a sterile drainage bag.
Step 6: Finalization #
– Check that the new catheter is functioning properly by checking for urine drainage in the drainage bag.
– Make sure the catheter is securely attached and cover the catheter insertion site with a sterile dressing.
Important points of attention and practical tips #
– Make sure you are well aware of the specific guidelines and procedures of your healthcare facility regarding the exchange of an indwelling suprapubic catheter.
– Keep the catheter insertion site clean and dry to prevent infections. Check regularly for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pain, or drainage.
– Ensure that the catheter is properly attached to prevent movement and pulling.
– Provide the patient with clear instructions on how to care for the indwelling suprapubic catheter and report any problems or discomfort.
Conclusion #
Changing a suprapubic indwelling catheter regularly is very important to prevent infections and complications. By following the correct procedure, applying aseptic techniques, and paying attention to key areas of concern, healthcare providers can provide safe and effective catheter care for patients with indwelling suprapubic catheters.
