flushing after urinary catheterization

amoLucia · Apr 12, 2013

Why are you flushing after you cath? You should be getting a decent flow return so why flush? Unless you're instilling something ...

Biffbradford · Apr 12, 2013

Foley or straight cath?

onthemark · Apr 12, 2013

this patient gets straight cathed 4 times a day. I was told she should be flushed after the 9am cath. This is in a nursing home so she's been having this treatment a long time and will continue to have it. I assumed the flushing was to prevent infection from all the catheterations.

Tait, MSN, RN · Apr 12, 2013

this patient gets straight cathed 4 times a day. I was told she should be flushed after the 9am cath. This is in a nursing home so she's been having this treatment a long time and will continue to have it. I assumed the flushing was to prevent infection from all the catheterations.

If it is something routine they do, then I think they would be the best people to ask about technique. It does sound to me like there might be an opportunity to investigate best practice on this, however if it is working well for the patient, and they aren't routinely doing this to other patients (sounds like an infection risk, not prevention, but then again I can't really visualize the process) then it might just be a blip on the radar.

onthemark · Apr 12, 2013

Thank you for your feedback. I'm still not sure how to do it, though. I'm supposed to do it Sunday when the nurse that told me to do it will not be there. Unfortunately, everything was happening so quickly when she told me to do it, that I didn't realize she wouldn't be there the 1st time I'm to do it.

If anyone can give me tips on how to do it, I'd appreciate it. From what I gather, I'll have a 500cc container of sterile water that will go into a plunger that will gradually be injected into the urethra via a catheter. If anyone can confirm this or fill me in more, I'd be deeply appreciative.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Apr 12, 2013

Without seeing the patient it is near impossible to give you guidance. I would ask someone where you work. Will you be the only nurse there? There are different straight cath kits and catheters so what you need to do will vary.

julz68 · Apr 12, 2013

Are there instructions in the orders?

SaoirseRN · Apr 12, 2013

Does your facility have a policy & procedure manual? Either a hard copy or online? Or perhaps you could get in touch with one of your coworkers and ask them to show you when they do it so that you can be prepared for your turn.

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Apr 12, 2013

I'd be more likely to use saline, but it probably doesn't matter much. The order should specify what to use.

MessyMomma · Apr 12, 2013

Thank you for your feedback. I'm still not sure how to do it, though. I'm supposed to do it Sunday when the nurse that told me to do it will not be there. Unfortunately, everything was happening so quickly when she told me to do it, that I didn't realize she wouldn't be there the 1st time I'm to do it.
If anyone can give me tips on how to do it, I'd appreciate it. From what I gather, I'll have a 500cc container of sterile water that will go into a plunger that will gradually be injected into the urethra via a catheter. If anyone can confirm this or fill me in more, I'd be deeply appreciative.

If the order is to flush with NS. I've had to flush with both a vinegar solution and a Betadine solution.

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Apr 12, 2013

Sterile water is not a good idea. Saline, please. And if you have never done this and have not seen it done DO NOT DO IT. Introducing anything into a bladder can introduce infection. I know, I know, anybody who has been straight cathed QID forever doesn't have a sterile bladder anymore, but you do NOT want to be introducing anything new in there and no matter what "they" told you it's a sterile procedure and should be done with betadine or chlorhexidine prep, sterile supplies and sterile gloves.