A urinary catheter is a flexible tube inserted into the bladder to drain urine when natural urination is not possible or advisable. These devices are commonly used for various medical conditions, including urinary retention, incontinence, or during surgical recovery. Regular maintenance, such as flushing, helps ensure the catheter remains functional by preventing the buildup of sediment and keeping it clear for continuous urine flow.
Essential Preparations for Catheter Flushing
Before flushing a catheter, gather all necessary supplies and ensure a clean environment. This preparation minimizes the risk of introducing bacteria and helps the process proceed smoothly. Begin by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Dry your hands with a clean, disposable paper towel.
You will need a sterile saline solution, which is typically provided in pre-filled syringes or a bottle for drawing up. A clean, sterile syringe (30-60 mL) is used to administer the solution. Antiseptic wipes, such as alcohol pads or chlorhexidine wipes, are also needed to clean the catheter connection port. Additionally, have clean, non-sterile gloves and a waste receptacle for used supplies.
Step-by-Step Catheter Flushing Process
First, put on clean gloves to prevent contamination. Next, locate the catheter’s flushing port, usually a small, clear connection point on the tubing. Clean this port thoroughly with an antiseptic wipe, allowing it to air dry completely.
After the port is disinfected, prepare the syringe with the sterile saline solution. If using a pre-filled syringe, remove the cap, being careful not to touch the tip. If drawing from a bottle, insert the syringe tip into the saline and draw up the prescribed amount, typically between 30 mL and 60 mL. Ensure no air bubbles are present, gently expelling any by pushing the plunger slightly until a small drop of saline appears at the tip.
Carefully connect the prepared syringe to the catheter’s flushing port, ensuring a secure connection to prevent leakage. Slowly and steadily, push the plunger to inject the saline solution into the catheter at a gentle rate over about 10 to 15 seconds to avoid discomfort or pressure on the bladder. Observe for any resistance during injection; if significant resistance is met, do not force the solution.
Once the entire solution has been injected, disconnect the empty syringe from the flushing port. Allow the saline solution, along with any dislodged sediment or mucus, to drain back into the catheter’s drainage bag. The process may be repeated once or twice more, if advised by a healthcare provider, to ensure thorough clearing of the catheter.
Post-Flushing Care and When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
After flushing, proper care helps maintain hygiene and monitor for issues. Securely recap the catheter port if it has a cap, or ensure the connection to the drainage bag is intact. Dispose of all used supplies, including the syringe, antiseptic wipes, and gloves, in the designated waste receptacle. Wash your hands again thoroughly with soap and water to complete the process.
Observe the catheter and the patient for any changes following the flush. Monitor the color and clarity of the urine in the drainage bag, noting any changes from its usual appearance. Also, observe the catheter insertion site for any signs of irritation, redness, or leakage around the tube. The patient should feel comfortable and experience normal urine flow into the bag.
While flushing is generally a safe procedure, contact a healthcare provider immediately if any of the following occur:
New or worsening pain in the lower abdomen or around the catheter site.
Fever above 100.4°F (38°C) or chills.
Persistent inability to inject the flushing solution, or significant resistance.
Complete cessation of urine drainage into the bag after flushing.
Leakage of urine around the catheter tube despite proper placement.
Signs of a urinary tract infection, such as cloudy or foul-smelling urine, or increased urgency and frequency.
References
1. Urinary Catheter Care Instructions. Mount Sinai. [https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/discharge-instructions/urinary-catheter-care](https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/discharge-instructions/urinary-catheter-care)