Urinary catheter guidelines for support workers providing support:
Precautions and PPE
- Always wash hands with warm soapy water, wear eye protection and gloves when:
- Cleaning around the catheter site
- Emptying or changing the urine collection bag
- Connecting/disconnecting overnight bag
- Cleaning any equipment used
Contact the doctor or nurse responsible in the following circumstances:
- Urine is cloudy or foul smelling
- No urine has drained for over 4 hours
- Blood is present in urine
- The catheter site is red or inflamed, or discharge is present
- Urine leaks from around the catheter site
- Person complains of being unwell with fever or chill or has complaints of pain or bladder spasm
- The catheter falls out or is accidentally pulled out (Hireup staff are NOT permitted to insert catheters)
- The catheter is blocked
Support Workers are permitted to provide the following support:
- Support workers can support by assisting the person to complete the following:
- Drinking at least 2 litres of fluid a day (preferably water). High flow of urine will assist in the reduction of infections. The person should drink enough fluid that their urine looks almost clear.
- Manage catheter equipment by;
- Ensuring the catheter bag is well anchored to the person’s leg, with extra care taken when hoisting or transferring the person to ensure the catheter is not pulled out
- Monitor the catheter to ensure it is changed regularly (in accordance with the person’s catheter plan) to reduce the risk of infection. Support workers are not to change the catheter, but should follow up with the appropriate people should there be any concerns.
- Personal hygiene is very important. The stoma should be kept clean and dry at all times.
- Equipment cleaned and sterilised regularly to reduce risk of infection
- Empty bags regularly
- Rotate suprapubic catheters daily to prevent it from sticking to the skin
- Do not use creams or powders on the site unless prescribed by the doctor
- Ensure catheter bag is secured to the leg to prevent damage to the stoma, urethra or bladder. Ensure the tubing is not kinked or twisted and the bag is below the bladder. Poor draining may lead to infection.
If you are asked to provide support beyond what is outlined above please contact Hireup on (02) 9113 5933 or hello@hireup.com.au to discuss the suitability of this support.