During continuous bladder irrigation, which is a key responsibility?

During continuous bladder irrigation, which is a key responsibility?

• A. Discontinue catheter if drainage occurs
• B. Never assess intake or output
• C. Assess intake and output, maintain asepsis, perform manual irrigation if needed, and adjust based on output
• D. Only adjust asepsis

Answer: (C)

Continuous bladder irrigation requires actively managing the irrigation system to keep urine flowing, prevent obstruction, and reduce infection risk. The best approach is to assess intake and output to monitor fluid balance and how well the irrigation is working, maintain asepsis to protect against infection, perform manual irrigation if clots or debris block the flow, and adjust the irrigation rate based on the drainage you observe. This combination ensures the bladder remains draining properly and that any obstructions are cleared promptly. Discontinuing the catheter when drainage occurs could lead to bladder distention and clot retention. Ignoring intake and output neglects fluid balance and treatment effectiveness, and focusing only on asepsis leaves the other essential monitoring and adjustments undone.

Continuous bladder irrigation requires actively managing the irrigation system to keep urine flowing, prevent obstruction, and reduce infection risk. The best approach is to assess intake and output to monitor fluid balance and how well the irrigation is working, maintain asepsis to protect against infection, perform manual irrigation if clots or debris block the flow, and adjust the irrigation rate based on the drainage you observe. This combination ensures the bladder remains draining properly and that any obstructions are cleared promptly. Discontinuing the catheter when drainage occurs could lead to bladder distention and clot retention. Ignoring intake and output neglects fluid balance and treatment effectiveness, and focusing only on asepsis leaves the other essential monitoring and adjustments undone.