Foley Catheter

1. Definition of "FOLEY catheter."

1. It is a rubber tubing inserted directly into the bladder for the purpose of draining urine.

2. It is usually inserted because of difficulty passing urine or inability to hold urine.

3. Meticulous care must be performed to prevent urinary tract infections.

2. Procedure of catheter care.

1. Wash hands well before touching the catheter.

2. Use soap and water to wash the area around the entrance of the catheter, rinse and dry well.

3. For males retract foreskin one halt to one inch to cleanse, being sure to replace it when finished.

4. Procedure should be done twice a day and after each bowel movement.

3. Care of catheter bags and tubing.

1. Change catheter bags at least every two weeks.

2. Between changes, the bag can be washed with a mixture of one and one-fourth cup vinegar and two quarts water to cleanse bag and decrease odor.

3. Maintain good drainage by checking frequently for kinks or loops in the tubing.

4. Secure catheter tubing to leg to prevent pulling.

5. Keep drainage bag below level of the bladder at all times to prevent infection.

6. Empty bag at least two times a day and as needed.

4. How to empty a closed system drainage bag.

1. Unclamp the drain tube and remove it from its sleeve without touching the tip.

2. Let the urine drain into the toilet or measuring container while being careful not to let the tip touch anything.

3. When the bag is empty, swab the tip of the drain tube with an alcohol swab.

5. How to change a leg bag to a night bag.

1. Empty the urine from the bag.

2. Swab the connection between the catheter and the leg bag with alcohol, and then disconnect the leg bag.

3. Cover the opening to the leg bag with a plastic cap.

4. Connect the night bag securely to the catheter.

5. Secure the catheter with a catheter leg strap, leaving slack in the line to prevent pulling.

6. Signs and symptoms of possible complications and what to do.

1. Urinary tract infection (symptoms include cloudy urine, foul odor, fever, and pain in bladder area).

1. Increase fluids to 2-3 quarts per day if not contraindicated.

2. Notify physician.

2. Blocked catheter (symptoms include lack of urine draining into catheter and a firm distended abdomen).

1. Remove catheter by using a syringe to pull water out of balloon.

2. Wear pad until catheter can be reinserted.

3. Bleeding (may occur if catheter is pulled).

1. Irrigate catheter.

2. Notify physician if urine does not clear.

4. Leaking (may be due to constipation, bladder spasticity, or blockage).

1. Irrigate catheter.

2. Call nurse to change catheter if leaking continues.

5. Bladder spasms (may be caused by irritation or change of catheter).

1. Prevent pulling on the catheter.

2. Report continued spasms to physician.