Preventing Catheter Induced UTIs

A catheter is a tube used to remove urine from the body. It is inserted into the bladder where it might stay for an extended or short duration. If used for an extended period, it is called an indwelling catheter or foley catheter. There are also central venous catheters that are used to deliver medicines, nutrients or other fluids into your blood. The urine is drained from the bladder into a bag outside the body.  Most of the UTIs are associated with the use of foley catheter.

Causes

 There are a variety of bacteria or fungi that can result in a catheter-related UTI. Common situations when people go for foley catheters include:

·         Not being able to empty your bladder

·         Urine incontinence

·         Post-surgery

·         Surgery of the bladder, vagina or prostate

·         If you are severely sick and can’t control your urine

·         If the amount of the urine you produce needs to be monitored

Symptoms

 Some of the common symptoms of catheter induced UTI include:

·         Blood in the urine (hematuria)

·         Cloudy urine or abnormal urine color

·         Foul or strong urine odor

·         Frequent and strong urge to urinate

·         Pain, pressure or spasms in your back or the lower part of your belly

Other symptoms may include:

Fever

Flank pain

Chills

Mental changes or confusion

Exams and Tests

Urine tests are conducted to check for infection which includes:

Urine culture: It helps in the determination of the type of bacteria in the urine for the health care provider to decide on the best antibiotic to use.

Urinalysis: This is done to check the appearance, concentration, and content of urine.

You might also need to undergo:

·         CT exam of the abdomen or pelvis

·         Ultrasound of the pelvis or abdomen

Treatment

People with foley catheterization often have an abnormal test and urine culture from the bag. Although the test is abnormal, it’s not necessary for the person to have a UTI. Therefore, it’s often difficult for your provider to decide whether to treat you. If you show visible symptoms of UTI, your health care provider is likely to treat you with antibiotics. Mostly, you will have to take the medicines by mouth and will have to complete the course of treatment even if you feel better. In case of severe infection, you might be given medicine into the vein. You might also be given medicine to lessen bladder spasms. Fluid intake is also important to flush the bacteria out of your bladder. Fluids that irritate the bladder such as citrus juices, alcohol, and drinks containing caffeine must be avoided.

Once you are done with the treatment, another test will be conducted to confirm that the germs are gone.

Prevention

To prevent UTI caused by urinary catheters, you must do the following:

·         Keep the drainage bag lower than your bladder to prevent the urine from the bag go back into your bladder.

·         Empty the drainage bag once every 8 hours or whenever it is full.

·         Have the indwelling catheter changes once every month.

·         Wash your hands thoroughly whenever you touch your catheter.

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Created on Feb 20th 2020 00:24. Viewed 313 times.

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