catheter-teaching-guide
General
Instructed patient that PCP only receives one snapshot of vitals signs including BP, and stressed importance of maintaining BP log so that PCP may adjust as needed.
Instructed patient drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps keep clots from forming.
Instructed patient always wash your hands before and after changing the bag from the nephrostomy tube. If another person is assisting with changing your bag they must wear disposable gloves and protective eyewear. Ensure that tube is kept straight and not bent to allow proper flow of urine
Instructed patient ensure that tube is kept straight and not bent to allow proper flow of urine. Also patient waterproof the dressing before shower and to change the urine drainage bag every 7 days.
Nephrostomy tube Instructed patient drink at least 1500mls - 2000mls (6 to 8 glasses of 250mls size) fluid everyday or as advised by the doctor.
Nephrostomy tube Instructed patient do not flush greater than 10 mls of sterile normal saline.
Nephrostomy tube Instructed patient observe for leakage at connection joints and seek advice if leakage evident.
Nephrostomy tube Instructed patient observe for continuous urine flow and signs of infection.
SN instructed patient/ CG about thickened liquids. SN explained that thickened liquids are used to treat patients with Dysphagia. Thick liquids decrease aspiration. Thick liquids may give the patient more time to perform additional swallows or other swallowing strategies. Thickened liquids slow down the bolus flow to compensate for a delayed swallow and reduced airway closure.
Patient instructed on fall safety precautions to include: locking w/c before transfers, use assistive device for mobility at all times, make sure walkways are free of clutter, & well lit, do not walk around barefoot or in socks, avoid using rugs, use non slip rug in bath tub & use shower chair for bathing.