Most people typically do not want to think about having catheters inside their bodies. However, for some people, it is extremely important to take care of a catheter. An indwelling catheter, or a catheter that is located inside your body, can help you out in some ways. While you might not want to think about it, there’s a good chance that it is better than not having anything. With that being said, it is incredibly important to practice proper indwelling catheter care. After all, taking care of your body in general is crucial to being able to live a comfortable life.
What Does Catheter Care Involve?
As a nurse or doctor might explain, indwelling catheter care in Ann Arbor, MI is relatively simple. There are two major things that you have to do when it comes to caring for a catheter: cleaning the catheter itself and cleaning the skin around the catheter. Cleaning the skin around the catheter is fairly straightforward. After cleaning your hands, you will need to wet a washcloth with warm water and use some mild soap to gently wash the area where the catheter goes in as well as the areas around it. Cleaning the catheter itself is slightly more complex but the idea is the same. You will want to make sure that your hands are clean before handling it. You will then want to clean the catheter with a washcloth. If you are concerned about your indwelling catheter care, professionals will be more than happy to explain every step.
Why Should You Clean Your Catheter?
Just as you should take care of your body, it is also important to take care of the medical devices that you need. Cleaning a catheter is important for some reasons but one of the most important reasons is hygiene. Choosing not to clean a catheter can quickly lead to serious problems. Thankfully, there are professionals who can not only explain the process to you but also assist with getting the materials that you need to perform proper indwelling catheter care. For more information on catheter care, visit mitchellhomemedical.com to learn more.