When discontinuing an indwelling urinary catheter, how should you deflate the balloon?

When discontinuing an indwelling urinary catheter, it is essential to keep the syringe connected until the balloon stops filling. This method allows for controlled deflation of the balloon that holds the catheter in place. By slowly deflating the balloon, you can prevent potential complications, such as trauma to the bladder or urethra, which could occur if the balloon is deflated too quickly.

Keeping the syringe attached allows for a gradual release of the saline, ensuring that the balloon empties smoothly and does not retain any fluid that could lead to difficulty in removal or discomfort for the patient. Additionally, this approach minimizes the risk of bladder spasms and allows for assessment of any resistance that may occur during removal, providing a safer overall experience for the patient.

In contrast, immediate removal of the syringe could lead to unregulated deflation, injecting saline before removal might not be appropriate or necessary, and quickly deflating the balloon can create discomfort and potential injury to the patient. Therefore, the practice of keeping the syringe connected until the balloon stops filling is the safest and most effective method for catheter removal.