How To Use A Bard Catheter

By Author: Absr Alleg
Total Articles: 17
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No matter how physically fit or athletic one is in their youth, old age finally kicks in; often leading to a number of problems including arthritis, osteoporosis (in women), regular aches and pains, and various urinary problems.

Urinary problems can affect both men and women as they get past the age of 40 and include problems such as incontinence, benign prostate enlargement, etc. There are a number of treatments available for these urinary problems and one of these is the catheterization using a bard catheter.

A bard catheter may be used very discreetly and is also available in both latex and non-latex styles in order to accommodate people who may be allergic to latex.

Step 1 - Before Inserting the Catheter - Preparation

Before you insert the bard catheter, you will need to prepare the insertion area. In order to do this, you will require the following:

- a bard medical catheter
- genital cleansing solution
- a drainage bag
- an elastic leg strap
- an irrigation syringe
- a sterile lubricant

You may also want to have the following items handy: anti-bacterial ...
... soap, sterile gloves, medical tape and paper towels.

Step 2 - Using the Bard Catheter

In order to use the bard catheter correctly, follow the instructions below.

1. Make sure to wash your hands very well with anti-bacterial soap. It is recommended to use warm water
2. Dry your hands well and then put on the sterile gloves and open the catheterization kit
3. Taking the irrigation syringe, fill it with 10 cc of water (make sure it is clean).
4. Use the sterile lubricant to coat a few inches right at the tip of the catheter.
5. Now, get into a comfortable sitting position which allows you to easily spread your legs.
6. Once you are in a comfortable position, you may begin inserting the catheter.
7. Clean your genital area with the genital cleansing solution and then slowly and gently insert the bard catheter into your urethra.
8. Now inject the 10 cc of liquid into the small tube at the drainage end of the catheter. This will inflate the balloon at the tip of the catheter.
9. Once the balloon is inflated, it will keep the catheter firmly in place.
10. As an extra precautionary measure, you may also use the medical tape and tape the catheter to your body.
11. Finally, take the drainage bag and attach it to the other end of the catheter and fasten it to your leg by using the elastic leg strap.

Precaution - Make Sure to Drink Lots of Fluid

People who are using bard catheters should make sure and drink lots of fluids throughout the day. Fluid intake will ensure that their urine is dilute and will also help to keep the catheter drained at all times. Patients using the catheter should try and drink at least 8 ounces of water every 2 to 3 hours.
Furthermore, people using bard catheters should try and avoid consuming fluids that might irritate the bladder such as alcohol, tea, coffee and soft drinks.

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