Clean Intermittent Catheterisation - Women Caregiver Training Series “The first time I did this for my mother I was worried I would hurt her or make a mess. But I followed the instructions and everything went okay. I’ve been doing this four times a day for six months now. It’s become part of my mother’s daily care routine and takes less than fi ve minutes each time.” What it is Clean Intermittent Catheterisation is a way to empty the bladder using a thin tube known as a catheter. The catheter is inserted into the bladder several times a day to drain the urine. Patients can learn to insert the catheter themselves or it can be done by a caregiver.
Items needed • Female catheter (Nelaton) S10 • Wet wipes • Cleansing solution, as recommended • Kidney dish / Receiver • Water soluble gel e.g. Aquagel • Measuring jug • Disposable latex gloves • A 50cc size syringe • Protective sheet such as a paper towel • A plastic container/bag to store catheter (Optional)
How to insert the catheter
Gather supplies.
Urinate before starting.
Wash or use wet wipe to clean the genital area.
Wash hands. Wear gloves as well if you are a caregiver.
Sit on toilet bowl or lie down with knees bent and legs apart.
Place protective sheet beneath buttocks if lying down.
Remove catheter from packaging.
Put lubricant on the tip of catheter (5cm).
Put the other end into kidney dish.
Spread labia and located urethra. Slowly insert catheter into urethra.
Remove the catheter slowly.
Further insert another 2cm when urine starts flowing.
When urine stops, press on lower abdomen to ensure complete release.
Wash or use wet wipes to clean the genital area.
Clean or discard the catheter.
Helpful tips • Drink 1.5 to 2 litres of fluids every day unless advised otherwise. • Do not drink aft er 8pm – this is to prevent your bladder becoming overfull (distended) during the night.
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Do not skip catheterisations. Stick to the schedule as advised by your doctor or nurse. Empty your bowels regularly. If you have any problems, call the continence nurse.
To re-use the catheter: 1. Clean the outside of the catheter with soap and water after use. 2. To clean the inside, flush 50cc of water through the catheter using a large syringe. 3. Shake off the water and dry catheter with a clean paper hand towel. 4. Keep the catheter in a dry plastic container and store it in a dry place. 5. Wash the kidney dish with soap and water and dry it. 6. Replace the catheter every 3 days or earlier if it becomes discoloured or rough.
See a doctor immediately if you have: 1. Trouble inserting the catheter or there is more pain when the catheter is inserted. 2. Little or no urine flow with distended bladder. 3. Blood in the urine. 4. Foul smelling urine or bits (sediments) seen in the urine. 5. Pain in the lower back or lower part of the abdomen (around the tummy or below it). 6. Fever or chills.
Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities of the National Healthcare Group. Admiralty Medical Centre • (65) 6807 8000 • www.admiraltymedicalcentre.com.sg Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg The information is correct at the time of printing and subject to revision without further notice.
GRM.TS.03.0517