A Foley catheter is a thin, flexible tube that is inserted into the bladder to drain urine. It is commonly used in hospitals and other healthcare settings to manage urinary incontinence or obstruction. While a Foley catheter can be an effective way to manage these conditions, it is important to keep the catheter clean and free of bacteria to prevent infection. One of the most important aspects of catheter care is flushing the catheter regularly.
Flushing the Foley catheter helps to remove bacteria and other debris that can accumulate in the catheter and cause infection. Flushing also helps to keep the catheter patent, which is important for preventing blockages. There are two main methods for flushing a Foley catheter: the gravity method and the syringe method.
The gravity method is the most common method for flushing a Foley catheter. To flush using the gravity method, you will need a sterile saline solution and a large syringe. First, fill the syringe with the saline solution. Then, attach the syringe to the catheter and slowly inject the saline solution into the catheter. Allow the saline solution to flow through the catheter for a few seconds, then remove the syringe. Repeat this process until the catheter is flushed.
Understanding the Purpose of a Foley Catheter
A Foley catheter, also known as an indwelling urinary catheter, is a flexible tube inserted into the bladder through the urethra. It is used to drain urine from the bladder in individuals who are unable to urinate normally, such as those with spinal cord injuries, neurological conditions, or urinary tract blockages. It also aids in monitoring urine output and administering medications or fluids directly into the bladder.
Types of Foley Catheters
There are several types of Foley catheters, each designed for specific medical purposes:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Two-way Foley | Features two channels: one for urine drainage and the other for irrigation or medication administration. |
| Three-way Foley | Has three channels: two for urine drainage and one for irrigation. The third channel allows for continuous irrigation and prevents the catheter from becoming blocked. |
| Suprapubic Foley | Inserted into the bladder through a small incision in the lower abdomen, bypassing the urethra. It is typically used for long-term urinary drainage. |
| Malecot Foley | Designed for males, featuring a rounded tip that helps prevent the catheter from slipping out of the bladder and protects the urethra from irritation. |
| Coude Foley | Has a curved tip, used for draining urine from bladders with urethral strictures or enlarged prostates. It helps navigate through narrowed or obstructed areas. |
Gathering Necessary Materials
Materials:
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Foley bag | A sterile bag that collects urine from the catheter |
| Antiseptic solution | A solution used to clean the area around the catheter |
| Sterile gloves | Disposable gloves used to maintain sterile conditions |
| Normal saline solution | A sterile solution used to flush the catheter |
| 60-mL syringe | A syringe used to inject saline into the catheter |
| Specimen cup | A container used to collect urine for testing, if necessary |
| Urinary drainage tube | The tube that connects the Foley catheter to the Foley bag |
| Catheter clamp | A device used to stop the flow of urine from the catheter |
Additional Notes:
* Ensure that all materials are readily available and within easy reach.
* It is recommended to have an assistant present during the procedure to provide support and assist with handling materials or holding the specimen cup.
* If the flush is performed for diagnostic or testing purposes, ensure that the urine is collected in a sterile specimen cup for accurate analysis.
Positioning the Patient
Before performing the flushing procedure, ensure the patient is comfortably positioned. This helps minimize discomfort and allows for a more effective flush.
Follow these steps:
1. Place the patient on their back with the legs extended and slightly elevated.
Elevating the legs improves drainage and prevents urine from pooling in the bladder.
2. Support the patient’s back with pillows for comfort
Adequate back support minimizes pressure points and promotes relaxation.
3. Expose the Foley catheter tubing and ensure it is not kinked.
Kinks in the tubing can obstruct the flow of urine, making flushing ineffective.
Here’s a more detailed explanation of checking for kinks:
| Check for visual deformities: Inspect the tubing for any bends, crimps, or flattening that may indicate a kink. |
| Palpate the tubing: Run your fingers along the tubing to feel for any irregularities or bumps that could suggest a kink. |
| Assess the flow rate: If the urine flow is slow or interrupted, this could be a sign of a kink in the tubing. |
By following these steps, you can ensure the patient’s comfort and create the optimal conditions for an effective Foley flush.
Filling the Irrigation Syringe
The irrigation syringe, also known as a bulb syringe, is a small, rubber bulb-shaped device used to flush out the Foley catheter. It is essential to use the correct technique when filling the irrigation syringe to ensure that the catheter is flushed properly and to avoid introducing any contaminants into the urinary tract.
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Gather your supplies. You will need a 60 mL irrigation syringe, sterile water, and a basin.
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Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
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Draw up 60 mL of sterile water into the irrigation syringe.
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Depress the plunger of the syringe to expel any air bubbles. This ensures that the irrigation syringe is completely filled with sterile water.
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Hold the syringe upright and gently squeeze the plunger to release a small amount of water. This helps to lubricate the tip of the syringe and makes it easier to insert into the catheter.
Tips
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Do not overfill the irrigation syringe.
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Use sterile water to fill the irrigation syringe. Do not use tap water, as it may contain bacteria.
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Depress the plunger of the syringe slowly to avoid creating a forceful stream of water.
Instilling Fluid into the Drainage Tube
To instill fluid into the drainage tube, follow these steps:
1. Gather your supplies. You will need:
– A syringe filled with sterile water or saline
– A clamp
– A sterile gauze pad
2. Position the patient comfortably. They should be sitting or lying down.
3. Clamp the drainage tube. This will prevent fluid from leaking out.
4. Insert the syringe into the drainage tube. The syringe should be inserted gently and slowly.
5. Inject the fluid into the drainage tube.
– Inject the fluid slowly and gently.
– Continue injecting fluid until the drainage tube is flushed.
-The amount of fluid that you inject will depend on the size of the drainage tube.
-For a small drainage tube, you may only need to inject 5-10 mL of fluid.
-For a large drainage tube, you may need to inject 30-50 mL of fluid.
-If you are unsure how much fluid to inject, consult with a healthcare professional.
|
Size of Drainage Tube |
Amount of Fluid to Inject |
|
Small (less than 14 French) |
5-10mL |
|
Medium (14-20 French) |
10-20mL |
|
Large (22-28 French) |
20-30mL |
6. Remove the syringe from the drainage tube. Release the clamp to allow the fluid to drain out.
7. Clean the drainage tube with a sterile gauze pad.
Clamping and Unclamping the Catheter
Once the syringe is connected to the flushing port, clamp the catheter using the thumb clamp. This prevents urine from flowing out of the bladder during flushing. Hold the syringe plunger steady, and inject 10-30 mL of sterile water or sterile saline into the catheter. Push the fluid slowly and gently, as injecting too quickly can cause discomfort for the patient.
Release the Clamp
Once the fluid has been injected, slowly release the thumb clamp. This allows the fluid to flow back out of the catheter, carrying any sediment or debris with it. Repeat this process of injecting fluid and releasing the clamp several times, or until the irrigant becomes clear and free of debris.
Flush Volume and Frequency
| Patient Population | Flush Volume | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | 30 mL | Every 8 hours or as needed |
| Children | 10-15 mL | Every 4-6 hours or as needed |
It is important to maintain sterile technique throughout the flushing procedure to prevent infection. Use sterile equipment, and wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling the catheter or flushing equipment.
Draining the Bladder
The final step in flushing a Foley catheter involves draining the bladder. This is achieved by opening the drainage valve at the end of the catheter and allowing the urine to flow into a designated collection container:
- Locate the drainage valve: The drainage valve is typically located at the end of the catheter tubing and is usually colored blue or green.
- Open the valve: Gently turn the valve counterclockwise to open it and allow urine to flow.
- Position the collection container: Place the collection container below the drainage valve to collect the urine.
- Monitor the flow: Observe the urine flow and note any changes in color, consistency, or odor.
- Close the valve: Once the bladder is empty, turn the valve clockwise to close it and prevent any further drainage.
- Empty the collection container: Dispose of the urine in the collection container according to established protocols.
- Record the output: Document the amount of urine drained in the patient’s medical record for monitoring purposes.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Locate the drainage valve |
| 2 | Open the valve |
| 3 | Position the collection container |
| 4 | Monitor the flow |
| 5 | Close the valve |
| 6 | Empty the collection container |
| 7 | Record the output |
Withdrawing the Syringe
Once you have flushed the catheter, it’s time to withdraw the syringe. To do this, gently pull back on the plunger of the syringe until all of the fluid has been removed. Be careful not to pull back too quickly, as this could cause the catheter to be pulled out of the bladder.
Once all of the fluid has been removed, slowly remove the syringe from the catheter. Be careful not to touch the tip of the syringe, as this could contaminate the fluid.
Once the syringe has been removed, dispose of it in a sharps container. Do not reuse syringes.
Tips for withdrawing the syringe
- Pull back on the plunger of the syringe slowly and gently.
- Be careful not to pull back too quickly, as this could cause the catheter to be pulled out of the bladder.
- Once all of the fluid has been removed, slowly remove the syringe from the catheter.
- Be careful not to touch the tip of the syringe, as this could contaminate the fluid.
- Once the syringe has been removed, dispose of it in a sharps container.
- Do not reuse syringes.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Gather your supplies. You will need a syringe, a Foley catheter, and a bowl of sterile water. |
| 2 | Fill the syringe with sterile water. |
| 3 | Attach the syringe to the Foley catheter. |
| 4 | Slowly inject the water into the Foley catheter. |
| 5 | Withdraw the syringe from the Foley catheter. |
| 6 | Repeat steps 4 and 5 until the Foley catheter is flushed. |
| 7 | Disconnect the Foley catheter from the syringe. |
| 8 | Slowly remove the Foley catheter from the bladder. |
Post-Procedure Care
After the Foley catheter is inserted, it is important to follow the doctor’s instructions on how to care for it. This will help to prevent infection and other complications.
General Care
Here are some general tips on how to care for a Foley catheter:
– Keep the area around the catheter clean and dry.
– Change the catheter bag every 7-10 days.
– Drink plenty of fluids to help flush out the bladder.
– Don’t pull on the catheter or tug at the tubing.
– If the catheter becomes dislodged, call the doctor right away.
Flushing the Catheter
Flushing the catheter helps to keep it clear of debris and prevent infection. Here are the steps on how to flush a Foley catheter:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Gather your supplies. You will need a syringe, sterile water or saline, and a catheter irrigation kit. |
| 2 | Wash your hands thoroughly. |
| 3 | Attach the syringe to the irrigation kit. |
| 4 | Fill the syringe with sterile water or saline. |
| 5 | Insert the syringe into the catheter port. |
| 6 | Slowly push the plunger to flush the catheter. |
| 7 | Withdraw the syringe. |
| 8 | Repeat steps 5-7 until the catheter is clear of debris. |
| 9 | Once the catheter is clear, clamp the catheter tubing and remove the syringe. You may need to use a small amount of pressure to remove the syringe, as the fluid in the catheter will create a vacuum. |
Flushing the catheter should be done 2-4 times per day, or as directed by the doctor.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
1. The Foley catheter is not draining.
Check if the catheter tubing is kinked or twisted. If it is, gently straighten it out.
Check if the drainage bag is full. If it is, empty it.
Check if the patient is lying on the catheter tubing. If they are, reposition them so that the tubing is not compressed.
Check if the catheter is clogged. If it is, try flushing it with sterile water or saline.
2. The Foley catheter is leaking.
Check if the catheter balloon is inflated. If it is not, inflate it with sterile water or saline.
Check if the catheter is inserted properly. If it is not, reinsert it.
Check if the catheter is the correct size. If it is not, replace it with a catheter of the correct size.
Check if the catheter is damaged. If it is, replace it with a new catheter.
3. The patient is experiencing pain or discomfort.
Check if the catheter is inserted properly. If it is not, reinsert it.
Check if the catheter is the correct size. If it is not, replace it with a catheter of the correct size.
Check if the catheter is causing any irritation or damage to the urethra. If it is, replace it with a new catheter.
Check if the patient is allergic to the material of the catheter. If they are, replace it with a catheter made of a different material.
4. The catheter is not flushing properly.
Check if the syringe is filled with the correct amount of fluid. If it is not, fill it with the correct amount of fluid.
Check if the syringe is attached to the catheter correctly. If it is not, attach it correctly.
Check if the catheter is clogged. If it is, try flushing it with sterile water or saline.
Check if the patient is lying on the catheter tubing. If they are, reposition them so that the tubing is not compressed.
5. The catheter is causing other problems.
Check if the catheter is causing any other problems, such as infection or bleeding. If it is, contact your doctor or nurse immediately.
6. I’m not sure what to do.
If you’re not sure what to do, contact your doctor or nurse immediately.
7. Additional tips
– To prevent Foley catheter problems, it is important to keep the catheter clean and dry.
– Change the drainage bag every 24 hours.
– Flush the catheter with sterile water or saline every 8 hours.
– If you have any questions or concerns about your Foley catheter, talk to your doctor or nurse.
8. Troubleshooting table
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| The Foley catheter is not draining. | Check if the catheter tubing is kinked or twisted. If it is, gently straighten it out. |
| The Foley catheter is leaking. | Check if the catheter balloon is inflated. If it is not, inflate it with sterile water or saline. |
| The patient is experiencing pain or discomfort. | Check if the catheter is inserted properly. If it is not, reinsert it. |
| The catheter is not flushing properly. | Check if the syringe is filled with the correct amount of fluid. If it is not, fill it with the correct amount of fluid. |
| The catheter is causing other problems. | Check if the catheter is causing any other problems, such as infection or bleeding. If it is, contact your doctor or nurse immediately. |
9. When to contact a doctor
If you have any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or nurse immediately:
– Pain or discomfort
– Leakage
– Bleeding
– Infection
– Other problems
10. Other resources
– [Foley Catheter Care](https://www.webmd.com/urinary-incontinence-oab/foley-catheter-care)
– [Foley Catheter Troubleshooting](https://www.healthline.com/health/foley-catheter-troubleshooting)
– [Foley Catheter Problems](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/foley-catheter/symptoms-causes/syc-20353174)
How To Flush A Foley
To flush a Foley catheter, you will need:
- A Foley catheter
- A syringe
- Normal saline solution
- A bowl
- Gloves
Instructions:
- Put on gloves.
- Fill the syringe with normal saline solution.
- Attach the syringe to the Foley catheter.
- Inject the normal saline solution into the catheter.
- Detach the syringe from the catheter.
- Allow the normal saline solution to flow through the catheter and into the bowl.
- Repeat steps 3-6 until the urine is clear.
People Also Ask:
How often should I flush my Foley catheter?
You should flush your Foley catheter every 8-12 hours.
What is the purpose of flushing my Foley catheter?
Flushing your Foley catheter helps to prevent blockages and infections.
What should I do if my Foley catheter is blocked?
If your Foley catheter is blocked, you should try to flush it with normal saline solution. If the blockage does not clear, you should call your doctor.
