Care Of Suprapubic Catheter Protocol Health And Social Care Essay

C ar Of Suprapubic Catheter Protocol heartyness And Social C are EssayUrinary catheterization is use in most 15% to 25% of all infirmaryized perseverings (Griffiths Fernandez, 2007). A doc whitethorn regulate when it is appropriate for a catheter to be utilise as part of a diligents therapeutic regimen. There are contrary catheter choices for long-sufferings depending on separately individuals situation. urethral urinary catheters are traditionally selected and apply in short depot cases, and require no surgery (Khan Abrams, 2008). A suprapubic catheter, (SPC), requires a surgical performance and has a extended rec all eachplacey term. fit in to angiotensin converting enzyme Urologist, the ratio of urethral urinary catheters to suprapubic catheters utilize particular(prenominal)ally in his practice was 3001 (J. Banno, personal colloquy, February 13, 2011). This is establish on physician preference as head as duration the diligent of ordain extremity to ve x the catheter in place. In the case where long- bound catheterization is indicated, SPC cast beat the superior alternative (Khan Abrams, 2008). While the initial unveiling of a suprapubic catheter remains the tariff of a physician, it is wrong the scope of practice for a she-goat to supply sustenance and supersede the tubing with the ripe teaching (Illinois Compiled Statutes, 2008). In response to this getise, hospital musical arrangements welcome enacted communications protocols that allow registered nurses (RNs) to perform the suprapubic catheter flip. Changes should be performed by staff that throw off been adequately instructed in regards to the technique for changing the catheter, and are able to spot possible complications of SPC changes. Additionally, offering the choice of tolerant roles and their armorial bearinggivers to be proficient is also pregnant in adding to the patients independence (Harrison, Lawrence, Morley, Pearce, Taylor, 2011). The execution of a suprapubic catheter supervene upon has been performed by RNs in the community setting with an existing protocol, and more(prenominal) belatedly the idea that this parturiency be carried out indoors in the hospital has been explored. This procedure is do by the family members, economic aidgivers, and even the patient themselves in a discharge at home setting safely and efficiently for m either years (Anderson, 2002). at that placefrom adding this protocol into an acute care setting for RNs to complete in the hospital setting is a practical implementation. A nurse led, outpatient services in Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton has been performing the suprapubic catheter creations since 2004, and the program had an 89% successful rate oer a head of a couple years (Khan Abrams, 2008). This tuition shows enjoin that nurses are capable of effectively managing a patients suprapubic catheter Since there is no fork up protocol for suprapubic catheter exchange or pa tient care by RNs within the Advocate Christ Hospital system, development of such(prenominal) a protocol has been explicitly requested by stake-h senescenters including physicians and nurse in management within the system. When staff learn and education is poor, there is a likelihood of an increment in complications (Harrison et al., 2011). Practice guidelines fall in enables nurses in providing patients with their specific care need. The remainder for this project was to create a suprapubic catheter care and exchange protocol ground on the best evidence available so that these needs flowerpot be met.Review of LiteratureA suprapubic catheter is a urinary give outage system inserted into the bladder via an incision with the anterior abdominal wall, and whitethorn be is used when a urethral catheter is contraindicated. A suprapubic catheter is a ordinary choice for patients having to form long-run catheter system and replaces the need for an indwelling catheter. Suprap ubic catheters contain of 4% of hospitalized patients with urethral catheters in situ (Rigby, 2009). Although a small percentage of suprapubic catheters are used compared to other urinary catheter options, there is little literature of make guidelines related to suprapubic catheter management, and at the same time there is a exploitation need to increase awake(predicate)ness of both the risks and benefits of using a SPC (Harrison et al., 2011). make this information accessible may increase the successful use of the spin in future patient care.IndicationsSuprapubic catheters are used for a spacious variety of patients, and for a number of reasons. A catheter insertion may be an elective procedure, or happen in an emergency situation depending on each patients circumstances. Neurological disease, urinary incontinence, postoperative care, bladder trauma, and palliative care are all reasons a clinician may consider using a suprapubic catheter in a patients care (Harrison et al., 2011). numerous of these conditions require long term catheterization, and each patient and their physician need to discuss if a SPC option is a modality that best fits their specific lifestyle. Presently, SPCs have become more prevalent than indwelling catheters for patients who require long term catheterization (Khan Abrams, 2008). This may be referable to the maintenance of these catheters over a longer period of time.Contraindications low accepted circumstances, a SPC should non be used. These take on bladder gagecer, if the patient is receiving antiplatelet therapy, presence of abdominal wall sepsis, or if a subcutaneous vascular graft in the abdominal battlefield exists (Harrison et al., 2011).AdvantagesAdvantages for the organization of a suprapubic catheter compared to a urethral urinary catheter are evidenced in the cases of a urethral blockage there is less incidence of leakage in SPC, and a reduced risk of pres authentic sore damage in wheelchair users. SPC ten ds to be more flourishing and sexually non-inhibiting. With the use of SPC there is less notice of catheter migration. Studies suggest a lower incidence of bladder thunder mugcer in patients managed with an SPC, less than 0.39% over 5 years, compared to indwelling urethral catheters (Khan, Matheur, Timoney, 2007). Suprapubic catheters have been shown to have a lower transmission system rates than catheters placed transurethral. A study plant that 26% of the transurethral group encountered a urinary tract contagious disease verses only 6% of the patients with the supra pubic catheters (Wells, Steed, Capstick, Schepanksy, Hiltz, Faught, 2008).DisadvantagesAlthough SPC is a rock-steady option for m both urethral catheter recipients, there are disadvantages nurses and patients need to be aware of when caring for SPC in situ. Some possible disadvantages include dangerous catgut perforation, urethral leakage and spasm, increased incidence of stone formation, and alteration of tre e trunk image. One study found that in 185 cases of SPC insertion, 2.7% incidence of bowel perforation occurred with one incidence that had a fatal outcome (Harrison et al., 2011). SPC is also contraindicated in patients with bladder potfulcer. Technical issues, for example focal ratio of reinsertion, give the sack also result in disadvantages of SPC usage (Rigby, 2009). It is important that if a catheter removed only when a radicalborn one fag be reinserted immediately to evacuate complications. (See complication component part)SPC insertionThe initial insertion procedure requires surgical skill, special equipment, and additional training it is therefore considered a surgical procedure conducted by a physician. aft(prenominal) the initial insertion, the catheter is unremarkably left in place for 4-6 weeks to allow the cystostomy bank line time to form (Rigby, 2009 Robinson, 2008 Wimpenny, 2010). This allows time for the catheter track to mature. Subsequent changes fitin g the early offborn change should be through all(prenominal) 6 to 8 weeks and can be through with(p) by a trained RN or caregiver (Robinson, 2008 Wimpenny, 2010). For every day that the catheter stays in place well-nigh 5% of patients willing develop bacteriuria and up to 50% may build up over one week, and just about all patients requiring indwelling urinary catheters for longer than a month become bacteriuria (Dixon, 2010 Rigby, 2009). Having trained personnel available to exchange the catheter in a timely fashion may avail fall these risks.Protocol NeedWithin a hospital system, it is important for protocols of specific procedures to be written step by step so that guidelines can be followed by staff members so consistent care is provided. Policies and procedures provide guidance in patient care for nurses and strive to achieve the determination of safe practice (Long, Burkett, McGee, 2009). Having uniformity within a hospital system can help deliver expectations for t he patient and wellness care staff. According to the Guidelines for exercise of Medical Protocols (2004), each protocol should be individualized for different types of patients, include a time frame required for patient evaluations, well as be readily available to heath care staff. M all labours that a nurse uses while providing care for require up to date, evidence based information made into a protocol for the nurse to follow to retard the most uniform care. According to Balakas, Potter, Pratt, Rae, Williams (2009), agencies including the Magnet Recognition political platform have incorporated evidence based practice and research as themes for their organizations to improve the education of the wellnesscare professionals. Creating a suprapubic catheter exchange protocol is incumbent so that nurses can be trained and can execute this task using a step-by-step guideline of care.Nursing Care square-toed care for a suprapubic catheter is paramount in preventing future complica tions such as contagion, and ensuring the catheters functionality for as long as possible. It is important to maintain a good standard of cleanliness to reduce the risk of infection (Robinson, 2008). While a patient is hospitalized, it is the responsibility of the health care team to ensure that the insertion office is appropriately maintained. Nursing care for a suprapubic catheter direct should be valueed at a time every shift and actions should be taken depending on the findings.Infection. Nurses have the responsibility to assess the patient daily so that complications are caught as early on as possible. Like all other procedures completed in the hospital, proper sight hygiene is crucial in decreasing the chance of infection (Rigby, 2009 hurry, 2006 Robinson, 2005 Robinson, 2008). Hand washing should be done before entering a manner, when leaving a room, and whatever time the healthcare provider changes gloves. Rushing (2006) states that if there is a medical studyup preparation present at the cystostomy pose, after removing it and disposing of the gloves, hand hygiene should be performed again before cleaning the site. This further decreases the chances of infection by evidence stating that gloves should be changed after every contact with an infective material that may contain a high concentration of microorganisms (Best Practices, 2003).Dressing. A cover change may not be applicable to certain patients depending on the amount of time the patient has had the catheter, and depending on if the doctor has staged a fertilization to the site or not. Suprapubic catheters are used for long-term bladder management, and can be a permanent part of a patients life (Khan Abraham, 2008). Once the suprapubic catheter has been in place for at least 6 weeks, the site has healed enough to be uncovered from the dressing (Robinson, 2008). If a patient has had the catheter initially inserted within the last 6 weeks, a dressing may be placed in order to aid t he site in better while keeping infection out. If applicable, all used dressings should be carefully removed and disposed of appropriately when cleaning the site. aft(prenominal) the first exchange has taken place, the site will remain expose for everyday life unless otherwise stated by the doctors orders. The nurse can also use his or her own judgment and skills to decide if each specific patient needs a dressing over the site depending on the initial assessment.Assessment. While the cystostomy site is exposed, it should be carefully inspected for signs of infection, flake off integrity and any drainage of urine, blood, purulent matter or any other exudates (Rigby, 2009 Robinson, 2008). These cues can be the first signs of complications and need to be communicate immediately. If the nurse suspects infection or has any doubts, a swab can be obtained and sent for elaboration per doctors orders (Robinson, 2005).The nurse must(prenominal)iness also assess the catheter tube for patency. According to the literature, the tube can come occluded with sediments or clots. This could consume the tube to become dislodged requiring reinsertion by a surgeon. The nurse needs to keep in mind that the catheter should never be irrigated unless ordered by the physician. Irrigation when not ordered could endeavor complications in the drainage system. It is also requisite for the nurse and other staff members to keep the collection container below the patients bladder level. When crimping the patient or when the patient is ambulating, the healthcare staff must ensure that this is followed. The urine itself can also provide indications as to the status of the patients bladder drainage system. The clarity, color, and odor all need to be assessed as well as measuring the urine at least every 8 hours (Rushing, 2006). The color can detect a possible urinary tract infection, and effective output measurement is important to the patients therapeutic regimen. (Rushing, 2006) o ut front the nurse is done with the assessment it is also important to check the placement of the tubing and make sure that it is secured. This should be done by tape recording the tubing to the patients abdomen making sure to leave enough room for the patient to comfortably move. Since the tape is attached to the kowtow, this must also be included in the daily assessment so that possible skin breakdown can be nullifyed. (Rushing, 2006)ExchangeStudies have shown that when a suprapubic catheter is changed by the shift nurse for that patient verses the urologic mention physician, the patient complains of less cark and more comfort during the exchange. Patients are given the opportunity to be consider with pain medication when the RN is completing the procedure since the RN is better able to plan for the exchange and give the medication accordingly. (Anderson, 2002)Sutured. Suprapubic catheters are very practically sutured in place during the initial insertions to allow healing time for the cystostomy and ensure the catheter maintains moderately placement. Once the cystostomy channel has formed and healed the sutures are usually removed. This may not be the case in all suprapubic catheter placements, entirely if sutures are present, the exchange will remain the responsibility of the physician. A urology deliberate would likely then be made and a physician would be required to complete the procedure. In cases where the sutures are permanent, this usually designates that the suprapubic catheter has been recently placed, or the catheter is at risk of cosmos pulled out or dislodged based on each individual patient/physician basis and preference. In these circumstances the nurses responsibilities will be limited to cleaning and maintenance care of the patients cystostomy site. (See nursing and patient teaching sections for more information regarding care and maintenance.)Unsutured. A properly positioned SPC with adequate cystostomy does not necessitate su tured abdominal placement. Once healing has occurred sutures are not needed to hold the tubing in place. later the first change has been conducted, a registered nurse then has the option to exchange the suprapubic catheter (Rigby, 2009). The best evidence in regards to how often to exchange a suprapubic catheter is found to be every 6 8 weeks (Robinson, 2008 Wimpenny, 2010). The procedure for the exchange of SPC uses an infertile technique, and the equipment required is similar to that used for urethral catheterization (Robinson, 2008). When changing a suprapubic catheter speed is very important. The sweet catheter should be inserted within 5-10 minutes of remotion of the old catheter. (Rigby, 2009 Wimpenny, 2010). The longer the site is exposed the more chance that bacteria can become a problem. Also, the catheter track will close very promptly once the catheter has been removed (Harrison et al., 2011). The catheter should never be removed unless an immediate change will tak e place. When a patient comes to the hospital with a SPC, the health care team should make sure to always have a spare catheter available at the patients bedside in case of accidental removal (Rigby, 2009).The exchange of a suprapubic catheter follows a very similar procedure to that of insertion of a urinary catheter. The nurse must check the doctors orders to ensure the correct size and type of catheter are being used during an exchange (Robinson, 2005). In completing this task the nurse is ensuring that he or she has all of the supplies needed to begin and complete the procedure within reach. While providing the patients privacy, the nurse should first explain the procedure and obtain the consent of the patient (Chaikind, 2004). Subsequent to this, the patient should be instructed to lie in the supine position, exposing the suprapubic catheter insertion site. Next, the nurse will wash his or her hands with soap and water or antibacterial solution in an effort to decrease the ris k of infection during the exchange procedure. Contact isolation precautions should be taken during this procedure since the cystostomy creates a new route to the bladder that may lead to infection. An aseptic approach should be taken throughout the make for. A gown and non- uninspired gloves should be worn at all times, unless sterilized gloves are order. (Best Practice, 2003)Using aseptic technique, open the sterile packages and prepare a clean, convenient working space that is close to the patient. This will further decrease the risk for infection (Best Practice, 2003). If there is a dressing on the clients cystostomy site it should be removed and cleaned with 0.9% sodium chloride solution to avoid introducing bacteria into the channel during the exchange of the catheter. Remember to clean the site from the internal out and never wipe over a previously cleaned section to decrease the risk of bacteria contaminating the cystostomy channel. The heave catheter needs to be deflate before the catheter can be removed. manipulation the empty spray provided to remove the sterile water from the balloon. With the contaminated gloves still on, remove any tape or straps holding the catheter and catheter bag to the patient. (Rigby, 2009 Robinson, 2005 Wimpenny, 2010)Next, remove the catheter steadily and lento to avoid balloon cuffing or possible pain to the patient. Grip catheters at the skins come on empyrean and remove the catheter slowly making sure there is no resistance and the patient is not in any pain. Studies have shown that if there is no resistance or pain in the first 1-2 cm of removal it is unlikely there will be any complications during the removal (Robinson, 2005). Rotating the catheter while removing it aids in reducing the risk of channel damage. Measuring the catheter that was inside the patient will ensure correct placement of the new catheter. After removal of the old catheter, quickly clean the surface arena of the patients cystostomy site of any urine or exudates that may have come out during the removal process. Next, while holding the new catheter at the distance measured from the old catheter, insert the tubing down the cystostomy channel. The new catheter should be inserted as quickly as possible after the removal of the old catheter. The time between removal and insertion of the new catheter should be within 5 to 10 minutes (Rigby, 2009 Wimpenny, 2010). Attach the prefilled syringe containing 10ml of sterile water and inflate the catheter 3-5ml full. It is suggested that this should be done slowly and carefully so that the risk that the catheter tip does not pass into the urethra (Harrison et al., 2011). Pull hold up or so until resistance is felt against the bladder wall, then completely inflate the catheter balloon with the remaining sterile water (Rigby, 2009 Robinson, 2005 Robinson, 2008 Xue, 2009).Attach a new drainage bag to the catheter and secure the new bag in place. Make sure the abdomen and cystost omy site are clean and dry before dressing and attach the new catheter to the patient. Cleaning and drying the area will create a better foundation for the new catheter and lessen the chance of accidental removal as well as decrease irritation and infection risk. Also, taping the catheter tubing to the patients abdomen will secure it in place and lessen the chance for the catheter to be accidentally removed. Make sure the patient is comfortable and make efforts to reduce any pain throughout the procedure.Dressing. Generally if a patients cystostomy site is clean and dry, it is not necessary to put a dressing around the tubing and insertion site. Although any(prenominal) patients may prefer for the area to be covered, topical dressing can be used per patient preference and hospital protocol. Refer to the patient teaching section regarding proper care and maintenance of a suprapubic catheter for more information. (Robinson, 2005)Complications. As with any medical device, utilizati on of a suprapubic catheter presents specific and often predictable problems associated with its use. The patient, their family, and associated healthcare providers must assess for complications and take measures to minimize accompaniments. If a complication should occur interventions should be implemented to correct these problems as soon as possible. Common complications include bladder calculi, balloon cuffing, abdominal wall and urethral infections, eject, altered form image, rubber-base paint allergy, over granulation tissue, bypassing whether by urethral and/or entry site, and corpulency (Rigby, 2009 Robinson, 2005 Robinson, 2008 Xue, 2009).Bladder calculi. Occlusion of the catheter causes a variety of problems in addition to elastic the functionality of the device. SPC has a lower incidence of urinary tract infection compared to urethral catheterization although it may increase the incidence of bladder calculi (Wells et al, 2008). One-third of patients with long-term S PC highly-developed bladder stones over a ten-year period (Khan et al., 2007 Sugimura, 2008). Under alkaline conditions minerals come down on the outside of the inserted portion of the catheter, especially the tip. This can cause continual blockage in around 40% to 50% of long-term catheterized patients. refilling catheters regularly reduces blockage, and blocked catheters should be replaced promptly (Rigby, 2009). If a patient is having restate occurrences of this, exchanging the catheter more often may be helpful in preventing such buildups (Harrison et al., 2011).Balloon cuffing. Many patients report pain upon the removal of the suprapubic catheter. This is partially due to the detrusor musclebuilder contracting during stimulation. Additionally, it is estimated that the diameter of the catheter increases in size at the positioning of the cuff even after deflation. Upon removal this size increase is accountable for causing additional pain. In suprapubic catheterization the catheter passes through the detrusor muscle. As the catheter is being removed, the detrusor muscle is stimulated. Stimulation causes the bladder wall to contract, alter its hold on the catheter. As more force is used to remove the catheter due to restriction and tightening of the bladder wall an accordion type of effect which causes ridges in the deflated catheter balloon and bunching at the catheter tip (Robinson, 2003). Balloon cuffing causes the silicone polymer to stick, which in turn causes pain to the patient and possible lesions down the cystostomy channel. Hydrogel coated latex catheters are now increasingly used in suprapubic sites, unless the patient is allergic to latex (Parkin, Scanlan, Woolley, Grover, Evans, Feneley, 2002 Robinson, 2003). Having the patient relaxed and encouraging the patient to deep breathe will lessen the constriction on the detrusor muscle resulting in less pain for the patient. mighty premeditating the patient with pain medications prior to the procedure may also help to reduce the anxiety and pain (Anderson, 2002). This problem has been seen more commonly with silicone catheters due to ridges being formed in the balloon that may impede the catheter withdrawal (Harrison et al., 2011).Abdominal wall and urethral infections. The patient and/or trained caregiver should inspect the cystostomy site for infection daily and any time the site is exposed. The chance of catheter site infection is always a possibility. bacterium are inevitably present at some time in a patients usage of a urinary catheter for a long period of time. This should be treated with antibiotics unless cellulitis is present (Harrison et al., 2011). Additionally, the healthcare provider should assess for signs and symptoms of infection. If the patient is presenting with signs of infection (i.e. foul smelling urine, urine has a cloudy appearance, bolshie or puss around insertion, etc.) inform the patients physician and send a sample of the urine or puss to the lab for a culture (Robinson, 2005). For every day that the catheter stays in place approximately 5% of patients will develop bacteriuria and up to 50% over one week, and virtually all patients requiring indwelling urinary catheters for longer than a month become bacteriuria (Rigby, 2009). The best practice evidence shows that the catheter should be changed every 6 8 weeks and should be cleaned daily (Robinson, 2008 Wimpenny, 2010). This will further prevent infectious microorganisms from stellar(a) to future complications. If an infection is apparent whether at the insertion site or within the patients urine, the patients physician should be contacted immediately in order to avoid further complications (Best Practice, 2003).Risk for bleeding. Hematuria or bleeding of unknown cause can occur at any time. Encrustation and cuffed catheter balloons can cause bleeding along the cystostomy tract. In situations like these, the bleeding should stop somewhat quickly (Robinson, 2005). Patients should be aware of the risk for bleeding and contact their healthcare provider in the event of bleeding that continues. During the exchange process bleeding may occur. Nurses need to be aware of possible injuries and evaluate each scenario based on the individual patient. Light bleeding is not a cause for worry, plainly should be monitored for clotting and infection. Bleeding and failure of the catheter to drain properly may indicate that the tip of the catheter is lodged in the urethra. If this has occurred, the catheter balloon should be deflated so that the catheter can be positioned correctly (Harrison et al., 2011). If the bleeding does not stop or the site becomes painful or inflamed consult a physician.Latex allergy. Latex allergy will present a problem when latex catheters are used. The nurse needs to ask the patient if they have a latex allergy. The nurse must be aware whether the replacement catheter includes latex prior to exchanging it. Silicone catheters are available for patients who have a latex allergy. (Robinson, 2005)Over granulation. The bodys natural healing process may generate over granulation around the cystostomy and is a common occurrence at the suprapubic entry site (Robinson, 2003). Over granulation is described as a buildup of scar tissue inside the cystostomy site and around the stoma. This over production of cellular growth will cause a limiting at the insertion site making exchange very difficult. Depending on the degree of over granulation no action may need to be taken but this area needs to be observed. as yet if over granulation is increasing, this problem needs to be treated (Robinson, 2005). Use nursing judgment to decide if and when the physician needs to be notified because over granulation has begun to cause blockage at the insertion site. Harrison et al. (2011) suggests that the use of eloquent nitrate can be used to help manage the granulation growth, as long as a barrier cream is used on the surrounding skin so that only the desire area is treated.Bypassing whether by urethral or entire catheter. Occasionally urine may travel through the urethra or within the channel created by SPC placement. Bypassing through the urethra or cystostomy channel is a common problem in SPC patients. Unless the bladder neck has been surgically closed, it acts as a safety valve. A nurse should also check the catheter for blockage to make sure the urine is not being sent back into the bladder and out the urethra causing the leakage. Additionally, it is recommended to check for incorrect fitting of the drainage system. If the catheter seems like it does not fit snuggly inside of the channel, consult the physician to make sure the right sized catheter is being used and nothing is wrong with the channel itself. Antispasmodics and anticholinergic medications can be used in the instance of bladder spasms being the cause for leakage. Use nursing judgment and refer the patient to a urology consult if the leaka ge continues once all other possibilities have been ruled out. (Robinson, 2005)Obesity. If the patient is obese a second person may be used to separate the folds of overlapping skin to aid access to the cystostomy site. In some cases the patient may be able to assist the RN, to hold back the extra skin, creating a comfortable, sterile working field for the RN that is doing the exchange. round patients also have trouble maintaining a clean, infection free area for SPC placement. Tailored hygiene instruction and reverse demonstration should be done with obese patients to warrant safe effective home care. (Robinson, 2005)autonomic dysreflexia. Autonomic dysreflexia is a common complication in spinal cord disfigurement patients and the healthcare provider should be aware of signs and symptoms related to this disorder. Suprapubic catheters are used in many spinal cord injury patients. Therefore, special attendance needs to be given to patients with injuries above T6. Complications of autonomic dysreflexia can be life threatening. If there is a kink in the catheter tubing autonomic dysreflexia may occur due to an over reaction of the autonomic noisome system causing excessively and suddenly high blood pressure. The health care professional would need to immediately recognize this condition, set the patient in an upright position and un-kink the tubing or remove the catheter if symptoms do not subside. (Schottler, 2009)DocumentationDocumentation is an important aspect when giving care. not only does this show evidence of the patients progress, but also it is helpful when communication among multiple healthcare staff that may be involved with an individuals care. entry site, skin integrity, catheter patency, urine appearance and amount, and patients pain all need to be documented in each assessment made (Rushing, 2006). The documentation process may be different depending on what type of patient charting is done, but the content will remain the same. Documentatio n should be completed every shift and include findings from each assessment care rendered and complications should be thoroughly noted. Document the procedure per the hospital protocol making sure to include the type of catheter, length of the catheter inserted, date and time the change took place, size of the catheter used, how much sterile water was used to secure the catheter in place, and how the patient responded to the procedure (Rigby, 2009 Robinson, 2005 Robinson, 2008 Xue, 2009). Documentation of the insertion site should include the color of the skin, presence of any breakdown, tenderness, and exudates that may be present. Patency of the drainage tube needs to be documented. The urine appearance should be documented based on color, odor, and amount. This is done so that an accurate output can be determined. Depending on a patients specific needs, strict intake and output may affect the p