5 Easy Steps to Change a Suprapubic Catheter

Suprapubic Catheter Change

Changing a suprapubic catheter is a relatively simple procedure that can be performed at home. However, it is important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid any complications. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to change a suprapubic catheter.

Before you begin, you will need to gather the following supplies: a new suprapubic catheter, sterile gloves, a sterile drape, a syringe filled with sterile water, and a pair of scissors. Once you have gathered your supplies, you can begin the procedure by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Next, put on the sterile gloves and drape the sterile drape over the area around the suprapubic catheter.

Once you have prepared the area, you can begin to remove the old suprapubic catheter. To do this, gently pull on the wings of the catheter to detach it from the skin. Once the catheter is detached, you can use the syringe to inject sterile water into the catheter to help loosen it. Once the catheter is loose, you can gently pull it out of the stoma. Once the old catheter has been removed, you can insert the new catheter into the stoma. To do this, gently insert the catheter into the stoma until it is fully seated. Once the catheter is seated, you can attach the wings of the catheter to the skin. Finally, you can remove the sterile drape and discard the old catheter and supplies.

Gathering Supplies and Preparing the Patient

Supplies:

**Essential materials:**

– New suprapubic catheter (with balloon and connector)

– Sterile dressing kit (containing gauze pads, antiseptic swabs, and adhesive tape)

– Sterile gloves

– Lubricating jelly

– Syringe (for inflation of catheter balloon)

– Irrigation solution (optional)

– Catheter bag and tubing

**Additional recommended items:**

– Disposable underpad

– Pain medication (as prescribed)

– Antibacterial soap

– Towel

– Privacy curtain

Preparing the Patient:

**Pre-operative instructions:**

– Inform the patient about the procedure and obtain consent.

– Ensure the patient has emptied their bladder prior to catheterization.

– Provide pain medication if necessary.

**Positioning the patient:**

– Position the patient supine on a bed with their knees slightly flexed.

– Drape the patient with a disposable underpad and a towel.

– Ensure the patient’s privacy by creating a barrier with a privacy curtain.

**Cleaning the area:**

– Wear sterile gloves.

– Clean the suprapubic catheter site thoroughly with antibacterial soap and water.

– Use an antiseptic swab to disinfect the area around the catheter.

– Pat dry with a sterile gauze pad.

Position the Patient and Clean the Stoma

Position the Patient

After gathering the necessary supplies, it’s essential to position the patient comfortably. Assist the patient in lying on their back with their legs slightly apart. Ensure that their privacy is maintained throughout the procedure.

Clean the Stoma

Thorough cleaning of the stoma is crucial to prevent infection. Follow these detailed steps:

Materials:

Item	Purpose
Antiseptic solution (e.g., chlorhexidine gluconate)	To disinfect the area
Gauze pads	To clean and absorb fluids
Sterile saline solution	Optional, to irrigate the stoma

Procedure:

1. Prepare the antiseptic solution: Dilute the antiseptic solution according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Clean the surrounding area: Using sterile gauze pads moist with the antiseptic solution, gently wipe the skin around the stoma in a circular motion, starting from the center and moving outward. Repeat this process with clean gauze pads until no visible debris remains.
3. Clean the stoma: Using a sterile gauze pad soaked in antiseptic solution, gently wipe the stoma in a circular motion. Avoid applying excessive pressure or touching the inside of the stoma.
4. Optional: Irrigate the stoma: If the stoma is producing drainage or debris, irrigate it with sterile saline solution using a 50-mL syringe and a blunt-tipped needle. Gently insert the needle into the stoma and slowly inject the saline solution. Repeat as necessary until the drainage is clear.
5. Dry the area: Using dry sterile gauze pads, pat the area around the stoma and stoma itself dry.

Insert the New Catheter

Once the old catheter has been removed, it’s time to insert the new one. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Open the New Catheter’s Package

Take the new suprapubic catheter out of its packaging and check that all the components are present, including the catheter, the drainage, and the inflation device.

2. Inspect the Catheter

Examine the catheter for any damage or defects. If you notice any issues, discard the catheter and use a new one.

3. Lubricate the Catheter

Apply a water-based lubricant to the tip of the catheter. This will help it slide in more easily.

4. Insert the Catheter

Gently insert the catheter into the suprapubic stoma. Advance the catheter slowly, while holding the drainage bag in place to prevent urine from spilling. Once the catheter is about 10 cm inside the stoma, inflate the balloon with sterile water or saline according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Steps	Actions
1	Insert the catheter into the stoma.
2	Advance the catheter while holding the drainage bag.
3	Inflate the balloon once the catheter is 10 cm inside.

5. Secure the Catheter

Once the catheter is in place, secure it with a catheter holder or tape to keep it from moving.

Secure the New Catheter

Once the old catheter has been removed and the new catheter has been inserted, it is important to secure the new catheter in place to prevent it from moving or falling out. There are a few different ways to secure a suprapubic catheter, but the most common method is to use a catheter stabilization device.

A catheter stabilization device is a small, adjustable strap that wraps around the catheter and attaches to the skin. This helps to keep the catheter in place and prevents it from moving around. There are a variety of different catheter stabilization devices available, so it is important to choose one that is comfortable and fits well.

In addition to using a catheter stabilization device, it is also important to keep the catheter site clean and dry. This will help to prevent infection and keep the catheter working properly.

Here are some additional tips for securing a new suprapubic catheter:

Tip	Description
Use a catheter stabilization device that is comfortable and fits well.	This will help to keep the catheter in place and prevent it from moving around.
Keep the catheter site clean and dry.	This will help to prevent infection and keep the catheter working properly.
Avoid pulling or tugging on the catheter.	This can damage the catheter or cause it to come out.
If the catheter does come out, do not try to reinsert it yourself.	Call your doctor or nurse for assistance.

Document the Procedure

It is crucial to document the procedure thoroughly. This documentation should include the following information:

Category	Information
Date and Time	Record the date and time of the catheter change.
Patient’s Name	Identify the patient by their full name.
Procedure Performed	Indicate that a suprapubic catheter change was performed.
Assessment Findings	Document the patient’s condition before the procedure, including vital signs, pain level, and any pertinent observations.
Equipment Used	List all the equipment and supplies used during the catheter change, including the size and type of catheter.
Procedure Steps	Describe each step of the procedure in detail, noting any complications or deviations from the standard protocol.
Post-Procedure Care	Provide instructions for post-procedure care, including any medications or follow-up appointments.
Nurse’s Signature	The nurse performing the procedure should sign and date the documentation.

Proper Disposal of the Old Catheter

Once the new catheter is in place, it is important to properly dispose of the old one. This will help to prevent infection and keep the area clean.

To dispose of the old catheter, follow these steps:

Gather your supplies.Put on your gloves.
Place the old catheter in the plastic bag.
Seal the plastic bag.
Place the plastic bag in the sharps container.
Dispose of the sharps container according to your local regulations.

Wash your hands thoroughly.

It is also important to keep the area around the catheter clean. This will help to prevent infection.

To keep the area around the catheter clean, follow these steps:

Wash your hands thoroughly before and after touching the area around the catheter.
Clean the area around the catheter with soap and water.
Apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment to the area around the catheter.

Cover the area around the catheter with a bandage.

When to Seek Medical Assistance

It is crucial to seek medical assistance immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms while using a suprapubic catheter:

1. Leakage around the catheter: Persistent leakage around the insertion site can indicate a poorly fitting catheter or a blockage.

2. Pain or discomfort: Severe pain or discomfort during catheter use may indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI) or other complications.

3. Changes in urine output: A significant increase or decrease in urine output, especially if accompanied by pain or difficulty urinating, warrants medical attention.

4. Blood in the urine: The presence of blood in the urine can be a sign of a UTI, bladder stones, or other underlying medical conditions.

5. Fever or chills: A fever or chills may indicate a UTI or other infection and require antibiotic treatment.

6. Cloudy or foul-smelling urine: These symptoms can indicate a UTI or other infection.

7. Difficulty inserting or removing the catheter: If you are unable to insert or remove the catheter successfully, it is important to seek medical assistance.

8. Accidental removal of the catheter: The accidental removal of the catheter can lead to urine leakage and discomfort, requiring immediate medical attention.

9. Any unusual or unexplained symptoms: Any unusual or unexplained symptoms related to the suprapubic catheter, such as swelling, redness, or itching, should be evaluated by a medical professional.

10. Follow-up appointments: Regularly scheduled follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider are essential for monitoring catheter function, preventing complications, and ensuring proper care.

Symptom	Action
Leakage	Tighten catheter or seek medical assistance
Pain or discomfort	Seek medical assistance
Changes in urine output	Seek medical assistance
Blood in the urine	Seek medical assistance
Fever or chills	Seek medical assistance
Accidental removal	Seek medical assistance

How to Change a Suprapubic Catheter

A suprapubic catheter is a tube that is inserted through the abdominal wall and into the bladder. It is used to drain urine from the bladder when a person is unable to urinate on their own. Suprapubic catheters are typically changed every 4 to 6 weeks.

Changing a suprapubic catheter is a relatively simple procedure that can be performed at home. However, it is important to follow the instructions of your doctor or nurse carefully.

Materials needed

* New suprapubic catheter
* Sterile gloves
* Sterile gauze pads
* Antiseptic solution
* Lubricating jelly
* Catheter insertion kit
* Drainage bag
* Scissors

Steps

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Put on sterile gloves.
3. Clean the area around the suprapubic catheter with an antiseptic solution.
4. Apply a small amount of lubricating jelly to the tip of the new catheter.
5. Insert the new catheter into the bladder.
6. Inflate the balloon on the catheter with sterile water.
7. Connect the catheter to the drainage bag.
8. Secure the catheter to the abdomen with a catheter insertion kit.
9. Remove your gloves and wash your hands.

Tips

* If you have any difficulty changing the suprapubic catheter, contact your doctor or nurse.
* Do not reuse a suprapubic catheter.
* If the suprapubic catheter becomes dislodged, contact your doctor or nurse immediately.