If you have difficulty urinating due to an illness, infection, or other health problem, you may need a catheter to use at home. in this case, you must empty the pouch to properly dispose of the urine. There are two types of bags: large ones and those that can be tied to one leg. You should learn how to empty them, know which model is best suited to your needs, and perform proper maintenance to make sure the catheter remains clean and in good hygienic condition.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Empty the Bag
Step 1. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly
Use warm soapy water to cleanse them and, once clean, dry them well; repeat this every time you are about to touch the catheter, to avoid the spread of germs.
If you have them, you can also wear sterile gloves
Step 2. Lift the drain hose so that it stands upright
It is located at the end of the catheter tube and is equipped with a colored plastic clip.
Make sure all urine passes from the drain tube to the bag while holding it straight; this little precaution avoids dirtying the room while you empty the container
Step 3. Put the bag over the toilet
In this way, it is easier to empty it; gently squeeze the plastic parts of the drain hose together until they release from the housing.
- Gently remove the tube from its seat and place it over the toilet.
- Direct the opening down, but avoid it touching the toilet.
Step 4. Empty the bag
Once the plastic clips are detached from the edge of the housing, you should open the metal clamp on the catheter tube; simply push the metal button down until it opens.
- Let the urine flow into the toilet. Once all the liquid has been expelled, close the clamp by pressing the two metal elements together; you should hear a "click" when it is well sealed.
- If it is a reusable catheter, you can re-attach the drainage tube to the clip and use it again.
Part 2 of 3: Choose the Bag Type
Step 1. Use a large bag when in bed
If you don't move a lot and have to lie in bed often, you are likely using this model; the bag hangs on a stand, so that the nurse or your caregiver can empty it.
You can opt for this model even when you lie down to sleep; in this way, urine flows through the catheter and collects in the container throughout the night
Step 2. If you plan to move, try a leg tie bag
If you can get up and walk during the day, you probably need to use this kind of container, which connects to the thigh (just above the knee) with elastic bands; afterwards, you can normally wear pants or a long skirt.
Although this type of bag does not have the same capacity as bed bags, it is however the ideal solution if you plan to move around during the day and do not want to drag the floor lamp behind you
Step 3. Switch to a large pouch overnight
If you use the leg model during the day, your doctor may recommend that you use a large model for the night, so you don't have to worry about emptying it while you sleep. this solution also has advantages for the urinary tract.
- To change the bag, first wash your hands very carefully and lift the tube so that all urine flows into the container.
- Next, remove the cap or clip from the leg bag and fold the catheter upward by wrapping it on itself once to block the flow of urine.
- Gently pull the end of the catheter out of the pouch and then connect it to the larger model; stretch the tube down to allow the urine to flow into the new container.
Part 3 of 3: Taking Care of the Bag
Step 1. Rinse it and hang it to dry
You should always wash it before using it again; likewise, you should cleanse and dry the leg model when you switch to the larger one for the night.
- Use a mixture with one part vinegar and three parts water. Leave the container to soak for 20 minutes, rinse it with hot water and hang it to dry in the bathroom.
- If you use the leg bag daily, you should wash it every day and replace it once a month.
Step 2. Verify that the catheter tubing is not kinked or blocked
Make sure it is not knotted, warped or stuck in any other way; Also make sure that the bag is hanging on the stand, so that it stays upright and urine can flow smoothly into the container all night and day.
- If you are wearing a leg bag, remember to place it lower than the bladder, below the waist, and that it is flat against the leg. You should attach it to your thigh with medical tape, leaving some slack in the tube to prevent pressure from building up on the bladder or urethra.
- If you use this model often, you should get into the habit of alternating the legs you tie it to; you can do this immediately after taking a shower.
Step 3. Do not pull or jerk the bag
You should be very cautious and avoid any kind of violent traction that could dislodge the catheter and cause leakage or poor drainage.
- If you notice any leaks from the pouch and are unable to trace the source of the problem, call your doctor. sometimes these are caused by bladder spasms, an obstruction or other abnormalities in the urinary tract
- Always keep the tube and bag below bladder level to avoid backflow of urine.
