Catheter Care Flashcard

The primary purpose of catheter care is to ensure safety and comfort for the patient. This includes maintaining hygiene, preventing infections, and managing any discomfort associated with the catheter.

Preventing pulling or tugging on the catheter is crucial to avoid injury and ensure proper function. The other options either involve incorrect practices or responsibilities not related to catheter care.

The correct technique is to clean gently away from the catheter insertion site to prevent introducing bacteria into the area. This method helps maintain hygiene and reduces the risk of infection.

Closing doors or curtains during catheter care helps maintain the client's dignity by providing privacy and minimizing exposure, which respects their modesty and comfort.

If the drainage bag is above bladder level, it can cause backflow and increase the risk of infection. Repositioning the bag below bladder height ensures proper drainage and should be reported to maintain patient safety.

Cloudy or foul-smelling urine may indicate an infection or other complications, which require immediate attention. Clear urine, proper drainage, and tubing flowing freely are normal observations and do not need urgent reporting.

Using clean technique and keeping the area dry is essential to prevent infection during catheter care. This helps minimize the risk of bacteria entering the urinary tract, unlike the other options which can increase infection risk.

Maintaining a calm tone and offering reassurance helps clients with cognitive decline feel safe and understood during catheter care, reducing anxiety and resistance, which is crucial for their comfort and cooperation.

You should stop or pause catheter care if the client experiences pain or fear, as this indicates discomfort and may require reassessment or intervention to ensure their well-being.

The correct response is to check the area gently, document the concern, and report it immediately. This ensures proper assessment and timely intervention for any potential complications at the catheter site.