Personal Care Skills - Skin Care
Provide care for a resident with an indwelling urinary catheter to prevent infection and maintain catheter function.
Critical steps are identified only where the CareFlow study checklist marks them.
Perform hand hygiene and apply clean gloves
Critical step
Address resident by name and explain the procedure
Provide privacy by closing door and curtain
Critical step
Fill basin with warm water (100-105°F / 38-41°C) and test temperature
Critical step
Position resident appropriately and expose only catheter area
Place waterproof pad under resident
Check that catheter tubing is not kinked, twisted, or under the resident
Critical step
Ensure drainage bag is below level of bladder at all times
Critical step
Apply soap to wet washcloth
Clean around urethral opening where catheter enters body
Critical step
Hold catheter at insertion site to prevent tugging while cleaning
Critical step
Clean catheter tubing from insertion site outward (away from body) for approximately 4 inches
Critical step
Use single strokes, do not go back toward urethral opening
Critical step
Rinse area thoroughly with clean wet washcloth
Dry area thoroughly
Secure catheter tubing to inner thigh to prevent pulling
Critical step
Ensure drainage bag is properly positioned and not touching floor
Critical step
Reposition resident comfortably
Remove gloves and perform hand hygiene
Critical step
Report any abnormalities to nurse (blood, sediment, leaking, pain, decreased output)
Requirements and evaluator wording can vary by state and testing program. Compare this study checklist with your current candidate handbook and instructor guidance.