Skill 18 — Provides Catheter Care for Female

Step 1

Explains procedure, speaking clearly, slowly, and directly, maintaining face-to-face contact whenever possible.

Step 2

Provides privacy with a curtain, screen, or door.

Step 3

Before washing, checks water temperature for safety and comfort and asks client to verify comfort of water.

Step 4

Puts on clean gloves before washing.

Step 5

Places linen protector under perineal area including buttocks before washing.

Step 6

Exposes area surrounding catheter (only exposing client between hip and knee).

Step 7

Applies soap to wet washcloth.

Step 8

While holding catheter at meatus without tugging, cleans at least four inches of catheter from meatus, moving in only one direction, away from meatus, using a clean area of the washcloth for each stroke.

Step 9

While holding catheter at meatus without tugging, using a clean washcloth, rinses at least four inches of catheter from meatus, moving only in one direction, away from meatus, using a clean area of the washcloth for each stroke.

Step 10

While holding catheter at meatus without tugging, dries at least four (4) inches of catheter moving away from meatus using a dry cloth towel/washcloth.

Step 11

Empties, rinses, and dries basin.

Step 12

Places basin in designated dirty supply area.

Step 13

Disposes of used linen into soiled linen container and disposes of linen protector appropriately.

Step 14

Avoids contact between candidate clothing and used linen.

Step 15

Removes and disposes of gloves (without contaminating self) into waste container and washes hands.

Step 16

Signaling device is within reach and bed is in low position.