Published Aug 25, 2005
JamiRN
29 Posts
Can anyone tell me what policy you follow regarding cath. irrigation. I've heard mixed things. Some say change the irrigation kit daily. Some say every three days. Wash with soap and water between use or rinse with vinegar? Thanks
barefootlady, ADN, RN
2,174 Posts
Is the patients environment generally clean? Who is doing these irrigations? Where is the irrigation set stored? Why are you concerned about using soap and water and a vinegar rinse? My teaching goes like this: if patients home is generally clean, has no pets, and there is a dry, clean, safe place to store the irrigation kit, then every 3 days is adequate. It should be washed with warm soapy water, rinsed with clear warm water followed by a 1 tablespoon to 1 cup of water vinegar rinse. This should be done at least once a day, more if needed. IF the person doing the irrigation is not the patient, then nonsterile gloves should be worn. Hope this helps.
safewaygreenbox
215 Posts
I've worked in urology for 3.5 years and never heard of anybody having irigation at home (UK). doing there own washouts or flushes yes but not irrigation. We use new irrigation set have never cleaned 1. We also use new night bag each night but can keep it for 1 week at home.
Kay x
Home Care Patient; MS. Spouse does Renacidin irrigation BID. She had been using a glass jar of the irrigant. Drawing it up via needle/syringe, disposing of the needle and then using the syringe over and over for the week. Home care just came into the picture. I can order Renacidin in a plastic jug with a screw cap. I provided her with an irrigation tray which includes a cup to pour the soln in, and a 60cc syringe. Our policy is tucked away in a box as our company is relocating. I came from LTC where we were able to use the tray for three days. This being a home care patient...The environment is different. She keeps her supplies in a neat and tidy corner on the shelf in the bathroom. She wears gloves for the procedure. They have 3 big dogs in the home, don't seem to be near the supplies. Thanks :)
Arrrr we use the term irrigation for continual irrigation eg post turp. :chuckle otherwise its a flush or bladder washout. Sorry.
Kay :)
TTucker
1 Post
My husband has a suprapubic cath. I do 99% of the irrigations and change it as it is needed to be.He has a problem with it stopping up.So I am now trying to find someone that carries Renacidin Irrigation.But back to your question as long as you wear gloves and try your best to be clean that is the most important thing about it.I clean with soap and warm water.