Foley Catheter Irrigation (Open Method)

1. Definition of "bladder irrigation."

1. It is the procedure of instilling water or saline into the bladder and allowing it to drain.

2. Irrigation can be done to maintain patency of catheter, to decrease cloudiness of sediment in the urine, or to stop bleeding in the urine.

3. Approval from physician must be obtained before irrigation can be performed.

2. Irrigation procedure.

1. Sterilize irrigation equipment by boiling in water for twenty minutes before use.

2. Wash hands thoroughly.

3. Pour prescribed amount of normal saline into container.

4. Draw up prescribed amount of normal saline into syringe.

5. Cleanse catheter where it connects with the drainage bag with an alcohol swab and disconnect.

6. Slowly push normal saline into the bladder (never push against resistance).

7. Cleanse the ends of the catheter and the tubing; reconnect, and allow to drain.