Removing an Indwelling Urinary Catheter

Minimising the duration an indwelling urinary catheter (IDC) is in situ is a primary strategy in reducing the risk of a catheter associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI).

Nurses are responsible for the removal of an IDC, and this procedure is performed with the direction of the medical officer (MO) or surgeon. Removal of urethral catheters at midnight should be considered if appropriate, as it results in larger volumes at first void and shorter hospital stays (JBI 2014).

Following removal of the IDC, the nurse must document the procedure in the progress notes and on the fluid balance chart, stating the time of removal, description of urine and volume drained. The nurse must ensure the client has voided post removal of the IDC and monitor any residual urine post-void as applicable.

If the client has a permanent IDC, it is usually changed every 3 months, depending on manufacturer’s instructions and client’s individual requirements.