Description

This How to module aims to assist nurses to undertake the removal of an indwelling urinary catheter in female patients in a safe, timely, effective and patient-centred manner, while maintaining the patient’s privacy and dignity. It is important for the healthcare practitioner to be competent in undertaking this procedure, and to be aware of local and national policies on catheter removal. Indwelling urinary catheters should be changed only when clinically necessary, or according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Urinary catheters should be removed using sterile equipment. The balloon of the indwelling catheter must be deflated before removal, and the catheter should be removed slowly to minimise trauma.