Help! Straight Cath Giving Blood Only.

Published

I'm a home health nurse with over 2 yrs experience with my current client. My client's has had a standing order for a straight cath Q4H since I've been with him. About a month ago, he was in the hospital for respiratory complications and became agitated and ripped his Foley out during his stay. He came home on the Foley but it has since been removed and we are back to straight catheters. Now half the time, I straight cath him, I get blood only and no urine. I'm wondering if someone could tell me what I'm doing wrong. The other nurse on the case says she's not having any issues and the patient himself says he has no issues when he does it during the day. Also, the urologist did a cystoscopy and found no issues. I'm still doing exactly the same thing I did for the last two years so I'm wondering if anyone has any tips or suggestions. Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Dialysis.

If a urologist was concerned enough to do a cysto it would seem you weren't the only one who was having issues with blood in the urine. Trauma causes inflammation and I would imagine there is still some damage to the uretheral tract. Use a small a catheter as possible, plenty of lubrication and if you meet any resistance stop. What kind of volumes do you get when you do cath?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It sounds like maybe when he self-DC'd his foley, trauma to the urethra resulted, and the continuing insult of straight cathing may be interfering with the healing process. This would just be my guess, though.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am sorry you are having this problem. It seems extremely frustrating. Can you ask the client to show you how he does it? Can you have the other nurse show you how he/she is doing it? Its there some technique that you are or are not doing properly? Does the client complain of pain when you straight cath him? Just some ideas...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I watched the client perform it and he got blood too so we made an appointment with his urologist who inserted a Foley. Foley comes out tomorrow so let's hope there are no more issues. Thanks for your help all.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion