What does catheter care involve?

Catheter care involves a range of practices focused on maintaining hygiene and ensuring the proper function of a catheter. Cleaning the perineal area and catheter tubing is essential for preventing infections and maintaining the health of the patient. This cleaning process helps to remove any accumulated bacteria or debris that could lead to complications such as urinary tract infections.

In contrast, changing the catheter every day is not standard practice, as catheters are typically changed based on specific medical guidelines, which often suggest a longer duration between changes unless there are complications. Monitoring urine output is an essential part of patient care, particularly in assessing kidney function, but it does not directly relate to the hygiene aspect of catheter care. Recording vital signs, while important for general patient monitoring, does not pertain specifically to the care of the catheter.

Thus, focusing on cleaning the perineal area and catheter tubing directly addresses the necessary hygiene and maintenance required for effective catheter care.