URINARY CATHETER CARE

1. In home health, what is one of the most common problems causing a patient to need a urinary catheter?

2. Indwelling and external catheters are two types of urinary catheters.

3. What is the most common problem associated with indwelling catheter use?

4. What frequency should the patient with an indwelling catheter perform perineal care?

5. Which of the following is part of routine catheter care?

a. Avoid using soap near the catheter insertion site
b. Clean the catheter tubing with an up-and-down motion 2 to 3 inches from the insertion site
c. Gently pull or tug on the catheter to be sure it is securely in the bladder
d. Secure the catheter tubing to the female patient’s thigh

6. When applying an external catheter, you should gently retract the foreskin to completely expose the urethral opening in the penis.

7. What are the signs and symptoms of urinary tract infection?

8. Adequate fluid intake is an important consideration for patients with a urinary catheter.

9. What should home health staff do while emptying the collection bag to minimize the risk of infection?

a. Hold the bag higher than the level of the bladder to ensure proper drainage
b. Clamp the tubing and remove the collection bag to drain contents into the toilet
c. Clean the drainage tube with an alcohol swab prior to placing it back in the sleeve (holder)
d. Place the end of the drainage tube against the bottom of the collection container

10. Which of the following is an area in which home health staff can have a positive effect while caring for a patient with a urinary catheter?