Removing an Indwelling Urinary Catheter

It is the nurse’s responsibility to assess for a patient’s continued need for an indwelling catheter daily and to advocate for removal when appropriate.^[1] Prolonged use of indwelling catheters increases the risk of developing CAUTIs. For patients who require an indwelling catheter for operative purposes, the catheter is typically removed within 24 hours or less. Some agencies have a protocol for the removal of indwelling catheters, whereas others require a prescription from a provider. For additional instructions about how to remove an indwelling catheter, see the “Checklist for Foley Removal.”

When removing an indwelling urinary catheter, it is considered a standard of practice to document the time and track the time of the first void. This information is also communicated during handoff reports. If the patient is unable to void within 4-6 hours and/or complains of bladder fullness, the nurse determines if incomplete bladder emptying is occurring according to agency policy. The ANA has made the following recommendations to assess for incomplete bladder emptying:

• The patient should be prompted to urinate.
• If urination volume is less than 180 mL, the nurse should perform a bladder scan to determine the post-void residual. A bladder scan is a bedside test performed by nurses that uses ultrasonic waves to determine the amount of fluid in the bladder.
• If a bladder scanner is not available, a straight urinary catheterization is performed.^[2]

When a urinary catheter is removed, instruct the patient on the following guidelines:

• Increase or maintain fluid intake (unless contraindicated).
• Void when able with the goal to urinate within six hours after removal of the catheter. Inform the nurse of the void so that the amount can be measured and documented.
• Be aware that there may be a mild burning sensation during the first void.
• Report any burning, discomfort, frequency, or small amounts of urine when voiding.
• Report an inability to void, bladder tenderness, or distension.