pH testing in catheter maintenance: the clinical debate

Blocked urinary catheters: can they be better managed?

This article discusses one of the problems associated with urinary catheterisation. It focuses on catheter blockage and explains the effects of this on patients and the health service and aims to guide nurses in their management of this complex issue. The length of time a catheter remains functional is unique to the individual and imperative to good catheter care. Coupled with this the cause of the blockage needs to be identified before a treatment plan can be formulated. Encrustation is identified as a major problem and the reliability of using the pH value of urine to monitor is discussed. Adequate fluid intake is essential for catheter management and the benefits of citrate drinks are highlighted. The treatment regime of catheter maintenance solution is examined and while this may be an option for some patients the suggestion of proactive catheter changes would appear to be the most appropriate.

Care of the Indwelling Urinary Catheter

This article reviews evidence-based practice guidelines for the care of indwelling urinary catheters in acute, long-term, and home care settings. Upon completion of this reading, the clinician will have a better understanding of urinary catheter management of short-term and long-term placement, possible complications from catheter use, the importance of alternative options for catheter placement, and recommendations for patient education. Basic infection prevention, existing catheter types, and the differences between men and women with the use of these catheters will also be addressed. Practices that are no longer recommended, as well as present research on the use of silver alloy catheters and their role in preventing infection, are summarized.

Caring for catheterized patients: urinary catheter maintenance

This article brings together the evidence and opinions surrounding the ongoing problem of catheter blockage and how to help maintain catheter life. The reasons behind blockage are examined as well as the roles that pH testing and building a comprehensive catheter history, including all aspects of patients' general health, play in caring for the catheterized patient. The use of catheter-maintenance solutions is addressed with discussion on smaller volumes, the use of double instillations and gentle technique for a shorter time of instillation and improvement in catheter-intervention techniques.