An indwelling urinary catheter is not the answer for urinary incontinence.
- Good skin care technique will prevent skin breakdown.
- Use perineal cleansing products as needed.
- Avoid use of agents containing alcohol as they are too drying to the skin.
- Use moisture barrier cream and/or a barrier wipe.
- Turn patient every 2 hours.
- Modify environment to be conducive to maintaining independence with continence (e.g., bedside commode or urinal within reach if appropriate).
- Minimize contact of urine to skin.
- Use only one quilted cloth pad for incontinence.
- Eliminate use of plastic-backed pads.
- Promptly clean urine-soaked linens and gowns.
- Develop a toileting program.
- Answer call lights promptly
- Offer bed pan every 2 hours—no exceptions!
You may want to include techniques and/or products that are in accordance with your facility’s wound care protocol.
