Where should the catheter tubing be placed during catheter care?

• A. Coil it on the bed.
• B. Hang over the side of the bed.
• C. Leave tubing coiled on bed, without kinks, obstructions, or loops of tubing hanging over the side of bed.
• D. Tape it to the resident's thigh.

Answer: (C)

In catheter care, the goal is to prevent tension on the catheter and keep the tubing free from kinks or loops that could cause pulling, dislodgement, or contamination. When the tubing is neatly coiled on the bed with no twists, obstructions, or overhanging sections, it stays out of the resident’s way and away from objects that could snag or tug it. This arrangement also makes inspection and care easier and reduces the risk of accidental pulling if the resident moves.

Taping the tubing to the thigh restricts movement and can irritate the skin or create new points of tension on the catheter. Letting tubing hang over the side of the bed introduces a traction risk—the catheter could be pulled if the resident shifts or if someone brushes against it. Coiling on the bed keeps the path of the tubing safe and tidy while maintaining proper drainage and accessibility for care tasks.