FEMALE CATHETER CARE

1. Explains procedure, speaking clearly, slowly and directly, maintaining face-to-face contact whenever possible
2. Privacy is provided with a curtain, screen or door
3. Before washing checks water temperature for safety and comfort and asks client to verify comfort of water
4. Puts on clean gloves before washing
5. Places linen protector under perineal area before washing
6. Exposes area surrounding catheter while avoiding overexposure of client
7. Applies soap to wet washcloth
8. While holding catheter near meatus without tugging, cleans at least four inches of catheter nearest meatus, moving in only one direction, away from meatus, using a clean area of the cloth for each stroke
9. While holding catheter near meatus without tugging, rinses at least four inches of catheter nearest meatus, moving only in one direction, away from meatus, using a clean area of the cloth for each stroke
10. While holding catheter near meatus without tugging, dries four inches of catheter moving away from meatus
11. Empties, rinses and dries basin
12. After rinsing basin, places basin in designated dirty supply area
13. Disposes of used linen into soiled linen container and disposes of linen protector appropriately
14. Avoids contact between candidate clothing and used linen
15. After disposing of used linen and cleaning equipment, removes and disposes of gloves (without contaminating self ) into waste container and washes hands
16. Signaling device is within reach and bed is in low position