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SKILL 17: PROVIDES CATHETER CARE FOR FEMALE
- Introduce yourself and explain the procedure to the patient.
- Provide privacy.
- Perform hand hygiene
- Get water and check water temperature for safety.
- Put on gloves.
- Fill the basin with warm water and place it on a flat surface with a barrier underneath. Have the patient check the water temperature by placing their hand in the basin or putting a wet washcloth on the back of their hand.
- Raise the bed height to a working height.
- Expose only the urethra and catheter.
- Follow the tubing from the patient toward the drainage bag, ensuring that the tubing is at a lower level as it goes toward the bag. Be sure no kinks or elevation can cause backflow to the bladder.
- Turn the patient or raise their hips and place a barrier (e.g., a towel, waterproof soaker pad, or disposable pad) under their buttocks.
- Use the first washcloth with soap and water to carefully wash around the catheter where it exits the urethra.
- Hold the catheter where it exits the urethra with one hand.
- While holding the catheter, clean 4 inches down the catheter tube.
- Clean with strokes moving away from the urethra.
- Use a clean portion of washcloth for each stroke.
- Put the soiled first washcloth in the linen bag.
- Wet the second washcloth and rinse, using strokes only away from the urethra while continuing to hold the catheter where it exits the urethra.
- Rinse using a clean portion of washcloth for each stroke.
- Put the soiled second washcloth in the linen bag.
- Pat dry with a towel.
- Do not allow the tube to be pulled at any time during the procedure.
- Replace the gown over the patient’s perineal area.
- While wearing gloves, empty the basin.
- Rinse the basin.
- Dry the basin.
- Return the equipment to storage.
- Dispose of soiled linen in a designated laundry hamper.
- Remove the gloves, turning them inside out.
- Ensure the bed is low and locked.
- Place the call light or signaling device within reach of the patient.
- Perform hand hygiene.