suprapubic caths

Need help, have home care pt with suprapubic cath that has lg amts of sediment, would like tips to assist with decreasing amout of sedation if possible to decrease frequency of having to change cath. thanks

why does a cath w/sediment need to be changed?

sediment is cells that have sloughed and settled to the bottom...

usually very benign.

is it obstructing the flow?

why not irrigate it?

leslie

Also, instruct pt to increase fluids to increase urine flow thus decreasing sediment buildup.

i agree with both of above..keep patient hydrated, irrigate if necessary to maintain free flow

i agree with both of above..keep patient hydrated, irrigate if necessary to maintain free flow

I agree

If the sediment is obstructing the cath, irrigate. Otherwise, I would just push fluids.

Regular bladder wash outs to reduce amount of sediment in catheter :)

My wife has one of these and the above answers are correct. It is just a balance of washing out and keeping hydrated.

Everyone is different... you/they will soon get to know the balance.

(and keeping an eye out for UTI's which are common with this situation)

Good luck.