A nephrostomy tube is a tube inserted through the skin and into the kidney to drain urine. This is sometimes needed if a person has a blockage or if their bladder is unable to empty properly.
The nephrostomy tube must be regularly flushed with sterile saline solution to keep it patent, or open. Flushing a nephrostomy tube is a six-step process:
1. Gather all necessary materials: sterile saline solution, a 10- or 60-mL syringe, a pair of sterile gloves, and a container to catch the flushed fluid.
2. Prepare the sterile saline solution as directed.
3. Clean the area around the nephrostomy tube with an alcohol swab.
4. Put on sterile gloves and open the saline solution.
5. Attach the syringe to the nephrostomy tube, hold the container beneath the tube, and inject the saline solution. Press the syringe's plunger slowly and firmly until all the solution is injected.
6. Discard the used syringe and gloves and clean the area with an alcohol swab.
It is important to flush nephrostomy tubes as prescribed to keep them functioning properly and to reduce the risk of infection.