Final answer:
Nursing care for a patient with an indwelling catheter includes encouraging generous fluid intake and maintaining a closed drainage system. Disconnecting the drainage system must be done carefully, and issues like burning and irritation should be checked as they could indicate complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nursing care for a patient with an indwelling catheter primarily includes encouraging a generous fluid intake, if not contraindicated by the patient's condition. Adequate hydration is essential to ensure a good urinary flow and to help prevent urinary tract infections and catheter blockages. This practice is typically recommended instead of routine catheter irrigation, which is generally performed based on specific orders in certain situations, not as regular maintenance. It's crucial for nurses to also maintain a closed drainage system to minimize the risk of infection. Disconnecting and reconnecting the drainage system should be done following strict aseptic techniques when necessary, for example, to obtain a urine specimen. However, this should not be done hastily or without proper precautions. Lastly, while some discomfort may be expected initially post-insertion, persistent burning and irritation are not normal and should prompt a review by healthcare personnel, as these could be signs of infection or other complications.