Page 3 - Urethral Catheter Care
P. 3
Urethral catheter care
Having a catheter in the bladder will irritate the
bladder lining and urethra. In some cases, this will
result in bloody urine. Tugging on the catheter can
also cause bleeding. If this occurs, make sure that
the catheter is secure, increase your fluid intake
and reduce your activity. Contact your physician if
bleeding is heavy or continuous for more than three
days.
When a catheter is left in for more than a few weeks,
it is not unusual for bacteria to be found in the urine.
Infection manifested by fever, sweats and/or chills
requires prompt medical attention and antibiotic
treatment.
Debris may deposit on the catheter when the urine is
concentrated, particularly if infection is present. Over
time, this debris may turn into stones in the bladder
which will require surgical removal. Debris buildup
can be minimized by keeping the urine dilute and
maintaining good hygiene.
Contact your physician or home care nurse if you
have:
• Fever (over 37.8°C or 100°F), chills or sweats
• On-going bloody urine or blood clots
• Increasing urethral discomfort, redness
and/or swelling
• Catheter dislodgement or inadvertent removal
• Inadequate catheter drainage
You will be informed regarding the timing of catheter
removal or changing.
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practitioner. The Canadian Urological Association disclaims all liability and legal responsibility howsoever caused, including negligence, for the
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