The following are somes steps that should be kept in mind.
A closed urinary drainage system consists of a catheter inserted into the urinary bladder and connected via tubing to a drainage bag. The catheter is retained in the bladder by an inflated balloon.
The drainage of urine is totally dependent on gravity. Therefore, tubing and the drainage bag, to collect urine, must always be below the level of the bladder.
As a caregiver, your responsibilities to a patient with a closed urinary drainage system, are:
* to ensure that the patient drinks at least 8 glasses of water daily, unless on fluid restriction;
* to ensure that the catheter and tubes are in a good position and open to allow urine to flow freely into the drainage bag ...
* and to keep the body opening where the catheter enters the patient clean and free from secretions.
* For an adult, a minimum of 8 glasses of clear water daily is essential.
Ensure that the catheter and drainage tube are connected and that there is sufficient slack in the tube, between the body and thigh, to allow the patient to move the thigh without pulling on the catheter.
The drainage tube should be attached to the bottom bed sheet by a fabric tie around the tubes and a safety pin, or by a clip if one is provided.
The drainage bag can be attached to the bed frame, should never touch the floor, and should always be kept below the level of the patient's bladder.
The drainage bag should be emptied at least daily, more often if it fills, in order to:
* prevent infection in the system,
* reduce odors and
* keep the system open and flowing
