Page 412 - CHHA Binder 2.3.20

4/11/2019

Indications for Foley Catheterization

 A Foley catheter is a flexible tube that is passed through
the urethra and into the bladder to drain urine for:

 Diagnostic purposes
• To monitor urine output
• To collect specimens

 Therapeutic purposes
• To relieve urinary retention
• To provide irrigation or installation of medications
• To provide hygienic care of bedridden patients

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/80735-overview 3

Key Points

 Indwelling catheters can increase the risk of urinary tract
infection (UTI).
Therefore:

• Use indwelling catheters as judiciously and rarely as
possible. They should be removed as soon as possible.

• Use smallest catheter French size and balloon size as
possible.

• Do not test (fill & deflate) the catheter balloon prior to
insertion as the deflated balloon can traumatize the
urethra.
• Maintain sterile technique throughout the procedure.

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