Foley catheters are flexible tubes inserted through the urethra into the bladder to drain urine. They are made of latex or silicone and have an inflatable balloon at the tip that anchors it in place inside the bladder. Foley catheters come in various sizes depending on intended use and patient factors.
Types of Foley Catheters
There are a few main types of Foley catheters differentiated by features like material composition, size, and intended use.
Latex Foley Catheters
Traditional Foley Catheters are made of latex, a durable material that forms a seal against the urethra. However, some patients have a latex allergy, so latex-free options are also available. Latex catheters are ideal for short-term use of up to 30 days.
Silicone Foley Catheters
Silicone catheters are more expensive but gentler on tissue than latex. They are particularly suitable for patients requiring long-term indwelling catheterization for over 30 days. Silicone catheters have increased flexibility and are less likely to encrust or cause inflammation than latex alternatives.
Straight Tip vs. Coude Tip
Straight tip catheters have a straight insertion shape for easier passage through the urethra. Coude tip catheters have a gentle curve at the tip, which can aid placement in males with enlarged prostates.
Sizes
Foley catheters range in size from 12-28 French, with 16-24 Fr being most common. Catheter diameter is measured in French units (1 Fr = 1/3 mm). Larger sizes accommodate higher urine flow but can be more uncomfortable. The right size depends on patient anatomy and urine output needs.
Uses for Foley Catheters
Temporary Catheterization
Foley catheters are often used temporarily after surgeries like prostatectomy or hysterectomy for a few days until patients can urinate independently again. They allow precise measurement of urine output and drain bladder during procedures.
Long-Term Indwelling Use
Some patients require indwelling catheterization for extended periods, sometimes indefinitely. Reasons include spinal cord injuries, obstruction from enlarged prostates, or inability to urinate due to neurological conditions. Regular care is needed to prevent infections.
Monitoring Urine Output
For patients in intensive care or who are critically ill, Foley catheters help providers monitor urine output hour to hour to guide fluid management and evaluate kidney function. This is important for conditions like heart failure.
Pain Management
In some cases, Foley catheterization provides relief from severe bladder spasms or acute urinary retention by allowing decompression of the bladder. This allows pain medicines to work more effectively.
Placement and Care of Foley Catheters
Correct Placement
To insert a Foley catheter, the medical provider gently guides it into the urethra until the bladder is accessed. The balloon is then inflated with sterile water and gently pulled back to anchor the catheter tip in the bladder. Location is verified before securing.
Sterile Technique
Strict sterile technique must always be used when handling or changing catheters to prevent introducing bacteria that could lead to a urinary tract infection (UTI). Hands are scrubbed, and equipment and supplies are kept germ-free.
Securing and Drainage Systems
The catheter is then secured to the patient's leg with tape or a leg strap so it does not pull out accidentally. It attaches to a closed drainage system that collects urine in a bag. Bags hang on the side of beds or use wheel stands for mobility.
Regular Care
The urinary drainage bag needs to be emptied regularly, at least every 8 hours. The catheter site is cleaned daily with antiseptic to avoid infection. The balloon is deflated before removal and replaced as needed, usually every 30 days for short-term use.
With any foreign body in the urinary tract, complications can potentially arise. Providers monitor closely for signs of UTIs, blockages, leakage at the catheter-urethra connection, and urethral injuries from improper placement or securing. Quick treatment can often resolve issues.
Foley catheters provide an important clinical tool for bladder drainage and monitoring urine output in various hospital and long-term care situations. With proper selection, placement technique, and ongoing sterile care, they effectively meet patient needs while minimizing safety risks. Close nursing supervision is key.
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