Final answer:
An indwelling catheter may need irrigation if there is a decreased urine output, cloudy or discolored urine, or patient discomfort, indicating possible blockage or infection which are common issues associated with catheters and require prompt attention.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a nurse is caring for a client who has an indwelling catheter, and they notice the patient has a decreased urine output, cloudy or discolored urine, or the patient is reporting complaints of discomfort or pain, these findings may indicate that the catheter requires irrigation.
Decreased urine output can suggest a blockage in the catheter, while cloudy or discolored urine may be indicative of an infection or the presence of blood or sediment in the urine, requiring flushing of the catheter to clear it.
Infections are often associated with catheters, and symptoms such as discomfort, redness, or fever, like in the case of Barbara, who has a port attached to a central venous catheter and shows signs of a localized infection, require immediate attention.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) like what Roberta experienced post-surgery with bloody urine and abdominal pain indicate the presence of bacteria and may require catheter irrigation as part of the treatment regimen.
In the elderly, such as Robert who might experience reduced bladder emptying capability due to neurological conditions, urinary stasis can also lead to infections necessitating catheter maintenance.