Indwelling urine catheter Irrigation (1282)

Why do I need to irrigate the catheter?

This procedure will help keep the catheter open so the urine drains.  You will need to irrigate the catheter if:

• No urine comes through the catheter in 2 hours.
• Urine is leaking around the catheter.
• You can see flakes or other materials in the urine.

What will I need?

• Sterile water or tap water.  
• Catheter-tip syringe.
• Alcohol wipes.

How do I irrigate the catheter?

1. Wash your hands with soap and warm water.

2. Pour the water into a clean container. 

3. Fill the syringe with ____________ mL's of water.  Do not let the tip of the syringe touch anything.  If the tip does touch something, clean the tip with an alcohol wipe.

4. If a leg bag is used, disconnect the catheter from the leg bag.  Do not let the ends of the tubes touch anything.  Clean the end with an alcohol wipe if it does touch something.  If your child wears a double diaper, open both diapers.

5. Connect the syringe to the end of the catheter.  Push the water in slowly over 30 to 60 seconds.  If it is hard to push the water in, check to be sure the tube is not kinked.

6. After the fluid is in, pull back gently on the plunger.  Try to pull back ___________ mL's of fluid.   It is okay if you don't get that much fluid back.  

7. Disconnect the syringe from the tubing.  Look to see if fluid drips from the end of the          catheter.  If it does, reconnect the tube to the leg bag or put your child's diaper back on.   If it doesn't, repeat steps 5 and 6 up to two (2) more times.  

How do I clean the syringe?

• If the catheter is being irrigated more than once a day:
  - Pull the plunger out of the syringe.  Rinse both parts with tap water.  Let the parts dry on a clean towel.  Cover them with a second clean towel between uses. A syringe can be used for up to 2 weeks.  Be sure to clean the syringe with soap and water after each use.
• If the catheter is being irrigated once a day or less:  
  - Use new supplies each time.