All skills
Basic Nursing Skills

Catheter Care

Wash the catheter from where it enters the body downward. Never upward. The drainage bag stays below the level of the bladder to prevent backflow. Report any kinks or discoloration.

5-10 minutes•12 steps•6 critical
Clean down, never up. Drainage bag below the bladder — always.

Why this matters

Clean down, never up. Drainage bag below the bladder — always.

Quick tips

  • Always clean down — never up toward the bladder
  • Drainage bag BELOW the bladder at all times
  • Use a new washcloth for each stroke — don't reuse

Common mistakes

  • Wiping up toward the urethra (this is the fail rule)
  • Letting the drainage bag rise above the bed
  • Pulling or tugging on the catheter
  • Not reporting cloudy urine or odor to the nurse