What is the goal of continuous bladder irrigation?

What is the goal of continuous bladder irrigation?

• A. To keep the urine light pink to clear
• B. To completely flush out all clots
• C. To prevent urinary tract infections completely
• D. To maintain a high urine output

Answer: (A)

Continuous bladder irrigation is used to prevent blood clots from forming in the bladder and to keep the catheter patent so flow isn’t obstructed. The practical goal is to keep the urine light pink to clear, which indicates bleeding is controlled and clots aren’t forming or blocking the catheter. If the urine becomes darker or contains clots, it may mean bleeding is ongoing or the drainage is getting obstructed, prompting a reassessment of the irrigation rate or catheter patency. It’s not about completely flushing out every clot, nor does it guarantee prevention of urinary tract infections or a deliberately high urine output.

Continuous bladder irrigation is used to prevent blood clots from forming in the bladder and to keep the catheter patent so flow isn’t obstructed. The practical goal is to keep the urine light pink to clear, which indicates bleeding is controlled and clots aren’t forming or blocking the catheter. If the urine becomes darker or contains clots, it may mean bleeding is ongoing or the drainage is getting obstructed, prompting a reassessment of the irrigation rate or catheter patency. It’s not about completely flushing out every clot, nor does it guarantee prevention of urinary tract infections or a deliberately high urine output.