Buzz
A Foley catheter serves to drain the bladder efficiently. It comprises a tube inserted into the bladder and a drainage bag connected at the opposite end. Regular maintenance, including daily drainage bag replacement and periodic flushing of the drainage tubing, is essential for optimal catheter performance and hygiene.
Key Points to Consider
1. Maintain hand hygiene by washing hands thoroughly with soap and water before irrigating a Foley catheter.
2. Prepare a sterile saline solution by filling a syringe with 60cc and covering the tip to prevent contamination.
3. Prior to irrigation, remove any residual urine from the catheter using an empty syringe, followed by flushing with saline.
4. Clean the catheter connection site and drainage tubing meticulously with an alcohol wipe for a minimum of 15 seconds.
Procedural Guidelines
Preparing the Saline Flush
Steps for Hand Hygiene
Guidelines for Catheter Syringe Preparation
Filling the Syringe with Saline
Removing Air Bubbles from the Syringe
Protecting the Syringe
Clearing the Catheter
Repeat Hand Cleansing
Preparing the Area
Sanitizing the Catheter
Detaching the Catheter
Draining Excess Urine
Transitioning to Saline
Administering Saline Solution
Sanitizing Catheter and Tubing
Replacing the Syringe and Tubing
Final Hand Washing
Verifying Urine Flow
Useful Tips
Important Warnings
- Do not attempt to forcefully administer saline if met with resistance from the catheter.
- If you encounter difficulties irrigating the catheter, seek assistance from your healthcare provider.
Essential Supplies
- 2 unopened, sterile catheter tip syringes
- Normal saline solution
- Connection cover for drainage tubing
- Sterile basin
- Alcohol wipes
- Soap
- Warm water
- Paper towels
- Disinfectant spray or wipes
