Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. 28 CATHETERIZATION PURPOSE: Catheterization is performed only with a specific physician’s order for the following reasons: * To obtain sterile urine specimen * To irrigate bladder * To instill medication * To relieve distended bladder * To manage incontinence RESPONSIBLE PERSONNEL : RN, LPN EQUIPMENT: Sterile catheter, disposable catheter tray, closed drainage system, exam gloves. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: Indwelling catheters with a silicon coating will generally last four to six weeks. The frequency at which a catheter must be changed will vary individually and will be ordered by physician. Factors which impact a patient’s ability to tolerate an indwelling foley catheter include: * Amount of sedimentation in urine of individual. * Chemical components of the urine of the individual. * Presence of urinary tract infections. * Ability of the family and patient to provide adequate catheter care. In the home setting, adequate lighting is frequently a problem, particularly when the patient is female. Adaptive improvisations are indicated from time to time, and should be anticipated and addressed before the patient is prepared. PROCEDURE: 1. Assess light sources in room and improvise for the best illumination(use flashlight if available). 2. Explain procedure to patient. 3. Screen the patient. 4. Position the patient as follows: a. Female - supine with knees flexed and widely spread. b. Male - supine with legs extended and slightly apart. Flex knees slightly. 5. Drape patient for privacy. 6. Wash hands and put on disposable gloves. 7. If patient is incontinent of bowel, clean perineal area as needed with warm soap and water solution. 8. Direct light source to provide visualization of genital area. 9. Remove disposable gloves and wash hands. 10. Catheterization of female patient: a. Open catheter tray using aseptic technique. b. Position moisture proof pad under patient’s buttocks.