Discharge Instructions: Caring for Your Suprapubic Catheter
You are going home with a suprapubic catheter in place. This tube is placed directly into the bladder through your abdomen to drain urine from your bladder. You were shown how to care for your catheter in the hospital. This sheet will help remind you of those steps and guidelines when you are at home.
Home care
Gather your supplies
Remove the dressing and check for problems
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Wash your hands thoroughly before and after all catheter care.
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Gently remove the old dressing if you have one.
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Now look at the place where the catheter leaves your body (exit site).
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Note any swelling, bleeding, irritation, unusual or smelly drainage.
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Also check for any sores next to the exit site. Sores form around the exit site if there is too much pressure from the tube on the skin.
Clean the area
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Wash the area around the catheter exit site gently with soap and water.
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Gently pat the area dry
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Don't use powders, creams, or sprays near the exit site.
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Place a split 4" x 4" sponge around the catheter. Tape it in place.
Follow-up care
Make a follow-up appointment or as advised.
When to call your healthcare provider
Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following:
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Catheter that falls out, or is clogged or feels clogged
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Stitches that fall out
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Urine leaking around catheter
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Urine that is cloudy, bloody, or smells bad
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No urine drainage
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Bladder that feels full or painful
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Rash, itching, redness, swelling, or drainage at the catheter site
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Fever above 100.4°F (38.°C) or shaking chills
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© 2000-2019 The StayWell Company, LLC. 800 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.