How to Tell If the Indwelling Time of a Catheter Needs Adjustment?

If intermittent catheters are left in the body for too long, it can lead to infections, urinary tract damage, etc. Also, short time may hinder treatment goals and slow recovery. So, determining whether the catheter's indwelling time needs adjustment is vital for patient safety. Today, Bever Medical shares insights on the impact of indwelling time and how to manage it effectively.   

  

Factors That Affect Catheter Indwelling Time  

Several factors may influence the time of intermittent catheter staying in the body: 

Signs of Infection  

Using intermittent catheters for a long time can cause urinary tract infections (UTIs). If these symptoms happen like fever, cloudy urine, foul odor, and painful urination, etc, it means to evaluate whether the catheter needs to be replaced or the indwelling time adjusted. Additionally, signs such as mucus plugs in the urine, strong discomfort, or bladder spasms may also indicate that the catheter requires adjustment or replacement. 

Changes in Urine Flow and Color  

Normally, urine should be clear or light yellow. A sudden decrease in urine volume, darker urine, or blood may indicate a problem such as a blocked catheter or bladder irritation, which requires prompt evaluation and intervention.
 

Patient Discomfort  

If a patient experiences persistent pain, a burning sensation in the urethra, or bladder pressure, it could suggest improper catheter placement or excessive indwelling time. Immediate reassessment is recommended.  
 

Treatment Completion  

If the catheter has achieved its treatment goal, such as relieving acute urinary retention or aiding post-surgical recovery, it should be removed promptly to avoid unnecessary complications.

Catheter Indwelling Time for Different Patient Groups  

Post-Surgery Short-Term Patients  

These patients are typically evaluated every 24 hours to determine if the catheter is still necessary. Once the patient can urinate independently, the catheter should be removed as soon as possible to minimize infection risk.  
 

Long-Term Bedridden Patients  

For patients confined to bed, the catheter's functionality and the patient's health status should be reviewed every 7 days. This includes urine tests and bladder scans. Healthcare providers should regularly adjust the care plan based on the patient's overall condition.  
 

Patients with Specific Conditions  

For patients with spinal cord injuries or neurogenic bladder conditions, catheter use may be long-term. These patients require personalized care, including daily assessments of urine quality and adopting clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) to reduce infections and complications.   

Elderly Patients  

Elderly people are always more prone to infections due to weaker immune systems. So caregivers should conduct a comprehensive check of the catheter every 3–5 days and adjust the usage time based on the patient's condition.   

How to Evaluate Catheter Indwelling Time Scientifically  

1. Monitor Urine Volume and Bladder Pressure  

Generally, the bladder’s capacity ranges from 400 to 600 ml. If urine volume consistently exceeds 500 ml during catheterization, should shorten intervals between catheterization to avoid overdistension of the bladder. Conversely, if the volume remains low, the intervals can be gradually extended. Besides, tools like bladder pressure monitors or subjective sensations, such as a feeling of fullness, can also help evaluate when catheterization is needed.   

2. Adjust Nighttime Catheterization Frequency  

Record urine output over time to determine the bladder's nighttime storage capacity. If nighttime urine output exceeds half of bladder capacity, additional catheterization may be needed to avoid overdistension of the bladder. For patients with decreased nocturnal bladder function, such as those with neurogenic bladder, more frequent nocturnal catheterization or the use of an indwelling catheter with a collection bag may be necessary. 

3. Address Inflammation or Infection  

If the patient has symptoms of urethritis or cystitis, prolonged catheterization should be avoided to reduce the risk of infection. Shorter catheterization intervals (e.g., every 3 hours) should be used to minimize urinary retention. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I tell if a UTI is related to catheter use?  

A: If you find these symptoms when using UTI such as cloudy urine, a foul odor, fever, painful urination, etc. It is a sign that the catheter should be checked immediately.  

Q: What should I pay attention to with long-term catheter use?  

A: Long-term catheter use can lead to complications such as urethral strictures, bladder irritation, or urinary tract stones. So, it's important to check the catheter regularly and ensure the bladder is fully emptied are essential.  

Q: Are all patients suitable for long-term catheterization?  

A: Not all patients. Different patient has different symptoms, and the doctor will give professional suggestions according to patients' real situations.  

Conclusion  

Adjusting catheter usage time scientifically is crucial for ensuring patient health. By the tips mentioned above,  the infection risks will be lower. Combining urine quality, and patient feedback, and conducting regular medical evaluations, it's possible to determine the need for adjustments effectively. Bever Medical is committed to providing high-quality intermittent catheters to make patients more comfortable. If you are looking for catheters with medical grade, please feel free to contact us.