In order to provide catheter care to a female resident, it is important to follow several steps which will help you to perform the process more safely and more efficiently.  This process should be done regularly to prevent any chances of infection to develop as well as to maintain the cleanness of the part of the body which is directly affected.

Cleaning the front perineal area is what these steps are concerned about and not about the rear or back perineal area.  Soap and water will suffice as cleaning materials for this process.

The first step is to introduce yourself to the patient and to explain to them why you are there. Try to give them a mental picture of the step-by-step process which will be performed and try to inform them of the materials that will be used.

After that, proceed to wash your hands and then put on your gloves as protective equipment especially since the process involves getting into contact with body fluids and soiled underpads.  Make sure that you have the materials that you will need for the process within your reach so you can perform the job will lesser distraction.

The next step is to place a new set of underpads under the patient’s thighs or buttocks in order to prevent soiling the bed.  Make sure that you have properly placed the underpads in order to catch any drip of water which may result from the cleaning process.

The next step is to rinse the whole area to be cleaned with warm water in the most comfortable temperature to the patient.  After this, apply some soap to a wet washcloth, dipped in the warm rising water, to give it some lather.  Use this washcloth to clean the inner labia of the patient.

Clean the inner labia by changing the spots in the washcloth used for cleaning.  Make gentle strokes in cleaning the labia with a front to back movement. This is to prevent any chances of spreading bacteria and infection towards the labia.  Make uniform movements in cleaning and try to clean the area as thoroughly as possible.

Try to apply the right amount of pressure in order to prevent any pain or of injuring the patient.  Use a different spot in the washcloth for every cleaning stroke. After this, clean the catheter up to about 3 to 4 inches downwards.

When this is done, start rinsing the soapy areas by using another piece of clean and wet washcloth.  Use the same type of strokes that were used for the cleaning, changing the places used in the washcloth for each rinsing stroke.  Make sure that you are rinsing the area inside the labia thoroughly and removing any soapy residue.  Do the same with the catheter and remove any obstruction or kinks away from the catheter.

Dry the area thoroughly with a clean towel.  When doing catheter care to a female resident, make sure that the tubing and the urinary bag are kept away from the floor and in a level which is lower than the bladder. Dispose all non-reusable materials to their proper containers. Wash hands thoroughly.

Watch the video on how to perform catheter care on a female patient:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWYFM8TG2Ds