A night catheter drainage bag is a large-capacity collection device designed for extended, uninterrupted use, typically overnight. It connects to the indwelling catheter to gather urine while the person sleeps, maintaining a closed drainage system. This larger reservoir helps prevent the need for waking up to empty a smaller daytime leg bag, promoting sleep continuity. The design ensures continuous, passive drainage by utilizing gravity to keep urine flowing away from the body and into the bag.
Preparing the Supplies and Connection Site
Before making the transition to the night system, gather all necessary items to maintain a sterile field and minimize the time the system is open. This collection should include the clean night drainage bag, antiseptic or alcohol wipes, and a clean towel. Perform thorough hand hygiene using soap and water for at least 15 to 30 seconds. If a caregiver is assisting, they should also wear disposable gloves.
The connection site must be prepared meticulously for the nighttime attachment. If the night bag connects directly to a daytime leg bag, wipe the drainage tap with an alcohol swab containing at least 70% alcohol to reduce the bacterial load. Remove the protective cap on the night bag’s connector tube without touching the sterile tip. Maintaining this cleanliness prevents pathogens from entering the system.
Step-by-Step Guide to Attachment
The physical connection process must be executed precisely to ensure a secure, leak-proof seal and maintain the closed system’s integrity. If the night bag is connecting directly to the catheter, the tubing must first be clamped or pinched closed to prevent urine leakage during the brief disconnection. The smaller daytime leg bag should then be gently disconnected from the catheter port using a twisting motion, taking care not to pull or tug on the indwelling catheter. Swab the exposed catheter port with a fresh alcohol pad, wiping away from the opening to disinfect the surface.
The connector tip of the night drainage bag should then be firmly inserted into the disinfected catheter port. If the night bag is connecting to the leg bag, the night bag’s nozzle is inserted directly into the drainage tap at the bottom of the leg bag. Ensure the connection is snug and secure to prevent accidental separation and urine spillage. After the night bag is securely attached, the clamp on the catheter tube or the tap on the leg bag must be opened to allow urine to begin draining into the larger bag.
Proper Positioning During Sleep
Once the night bag is connected, its placement is crucial for effective function and preventing complications. The drainage bag must always be positioned below the level of the bladder. This lower placement utilizes gravity to continuously pull urine downward, preventing retrograde flow, or backflow, which could introduce bacteria back into the bladder and cause infection. A dedicated stand or a clean container, such as a bucket, should be used next to the bed to keep the bag supported and off the floor.
The tubing connecting the catheter to the night bag should be arranged to avoid any kinks, loops, or compression by the body or bedding. Any obstruction in the tubing can impede the flow of urine, leading to pooling and increased pressure within the bladder. The catheter itself should be secured to the thigh with a strap or tape, ensuring there is enough slack so that movement during sleep does not create tension or pull on the catheter insertion site.
Morning Disconnection and Hygiene
Switching back to the daytime system in the morning requires careful attention to hygiene and technique. Before disconnection, the catheter tubing must be clamped or pinched closed to stop the flow of urine. The night bag should then be emptied of urine into the toilet or a measuring container, ensuring the drainage port does not touch any surface. After emptying, the night bag is gently disconnected from the catheter or leg bag.
For reusable bags, immediate cleaning is necessary to prepare for the next night’s use. Rinse the bag with warm water, then disinfect it using a solution, commonly a mixture of one part white vinegar to two or three parts water. This solution helps neutralize odors and inhibit bacterial growth. Thoroughly rinse the disinfected bag with clean water and hang it to air-dry with the valve open until bedtime. The catheter port is then either capped or reconnected to a clean leg bag for daytime use.