A Foley catheter is a skinny, versatile tube that’s inserted into the bladder to empty urine. It’s generally utilized in hospitals and different healthcare settings to handle urinary incontinence or obstruction. Whereas a Foley catheter will be an efficient solution to handle these circumstances, you will need to preserve the catheter clear and freed from micro organism to stop an infection. One of the vital facets of catheter care is flushing the catheter usually.
Flushing the Foley catheter helps to take away micro organism and different particles that may accumulate within the catheter and trigger an infection. Flushing additionally helps to maintain the catheter patent, which is vital for stopping blockages. There are two primary strategies for flushing a Foley catheter: the gravity technique and the syringe technique.
The gravity technique is the most typical technique for flushing a Foley catheter. To flush utilizing the gravity technique, you will have a sterile saline resolution and a big syringe. First, fill the syringe with the saline resolution. Then, connect the syringe to the catheter and slowly inject the saline resolution into the catheter. Enable the saline resolution to circulate by the catheter for a couple of seconds, then take away the syringe. Repeat this course of till the catheter is flushed.
Understanding the Function of a Foley Catheter
A Foley catheter, often known as an indwelling urinary catheter, is a versatile tube inserted into the bladder by the urethra. It’s used to empty urine from the bladder in people who’re unable to urinate usually, equivalent to these with spinal twine accidents, neurological circumstances, or urinary tract blockages. It additionally aids in monitoring urine output and administering drugs or fluids immediately into the bladder.
Sorts of Foley Catheters
There are a number of varieties of Foley catheters, every designed for particular medical functions:
| Kind | Description |
|---|---|
| Two-way Foley | Options two channels: one for urine drainage and the opposite for irrigation or medicine administration. |
| Three-way Foley | Has three channels: two for urine drainage and one for irrigation. The third channel permits for steady irrigation and prevents the catheter from turning into blocked. |
| Suprapubic Foley | Inserted into the bladder by a small incision within the decrease stomach, bypassing the urethra. It’s usually used for long-term urinary drainage. |
| Malecot Foley | Designed for males, that includes a rounded tip that helps stop 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 by narrowed or obstructed areas. |
Gathering Needed Supplies
Supplies:
| Merchandise | Description |
|---|---|
| Foley bag | A sterile bag that collects urine from the catheter |
| Antiseptic resolution | An answer used to scrub the world across the catheter |
| Sterile gloves | Disposable gloves used to keep up sterile circumstances |
| Regular saline resolution | A sterile resolution used to flush the catheter |
| 60-mL syringe | A syringe used to inject saline into the catheter |
| Specimen cup | A container used to gather urine for testing, if essential |
| Urinary drainage tube | The tube that connects the Foley catheter to the Foley bag |
| Catheter clamp | A tool used to cease the circulate of urine from the catheter |
Further Notes:
* Be sure that all supplies are available and inside straightforward attain.
* It is strongly recommended to have an assistant current in the course of the process to offer help and help with dealing with supplies or holding the specimen cup.
* If the flush is carried out for diagnostic or testing functions, make sure that the urine is collected in a sterile specimen cup for correct evaluation.
Positioning the Affected person
Earlier than performing the flushing process, make sure the affected person is comfortably positioned. This helps reduce discomfort and permits for a simpler flush.
Comply with these steps:
1. Place the affected person on their again with the legs prolonged and barely elevated.
Elevating the legs improves drainage and prevents urine from pooling within the bladder.
2. Help the affected person’s again with pillows for consolation
Ample again help minimizes strain factors and promotes leisure.
3. Expose the Foley catheter tubing and guarantee it isn’t kinked.
Kinks within the tubing can hinder the circulate of urine, making flushing ineffective.
This is a extra detailed rationalization of checking for kinks:
| Test for visible deformities: Examine the tubing for any bends, crimps, or flattening that will point out a kink. |
| Palpate the tubing: Run your fingers alongside the tubing to really feel for any irregularities or bumps that might recommend a kink. |
| Assess the circulate fee: If the urine circulate is gradual or interrupted, this may very well be an indication of a kink within the tubing. |
By following these steps, you possibly can make sure the affected person’s consolation and create the optimum circumstances for an efficient Foley flush.
Filling the Irrigation Syringe
The irrigation syringe, often known as a bulb syringe, is a small, rubber bulb-shaped system used to flush out the Foley catheter. It’s important to make use of the proper method when filling the irrigation syringe to make sure that the catheter is flushed correctly and to keep away from introducing any contaminants into the urinary tract.
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Collect your provides. You will want a 60 mL irrigation syringe, sterile water, and a basin.
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Wash your fingers totally with cleaning 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 totally full of sterile water.
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Maintain the syringe upright and gently squeeze the plunger to launch a small quantity of water. This helps to lubricate the tip of the syringe and makes it simpler to insert into the catheter.
Suggestions
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Don’t overfill the irrigation syringe.
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Use sterile water to fill the irrigation syringe. Don’t use faucet water, as it could include micro organism.
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Depress the plunger of the syringe slowly to keep away from making a forceful stream of water.
Instilling Fluid into the Drainage Tube
To instill fluid into the drainage tube, observe these steps:
1. Collect your provides. You will want:
– A syringe full of sterile water or saline
– A clamp
– A sterile gauze pad
2. Place the affected person comfortably. They need to be sitting or mendacity down.
3. Clamp the drainage tube. It will stop fluid from leaking out.
4. Insert the syringe into the drainage tube. The syringe ought to be inserted gently and slowly.
5. Inject the fluid into the drainage tube.
– Inject the fluid slowly and gently.
– Proceed injecting fluid till the drainage tube is flushed.
-The quantity of fluid that you simply inject will depend upon the dimensions of the drainage tube.
-For a small drainage tube, it’s possible you’ll solely have to inject 5-10 mL of fluid.
-For a big drainage tube, it’s possible you’ll have to inject 30-50 mL of fluid.
-If you’re not sure how a lot fluid to inject, seek the advice of with a healthcare skilled.
|
Measurement of Drainage Tube |
Quantity of Fluid to Inject |
|
Small (lower than 14 French) |
5-10mL |
|
Medium (14-20 French) |
10-20mL |
|
Giant (22-28 French) |
20-30mL |
6. Take away the syringe from the drainage tube. Launch the clamp to permit the fluid to empty out.
7. Clear the drainage tube with a sterile gauze pad.
Clamping and Unclamping the Catheter
As soon as the syringe is related to the flushing port, clamp the catheter utilizing the thumb clamp. This prevents urine from flowing out of the bladder throughout flushing. Maintain the syringe plunger regular, and inject 10-30 mL of sterile water or sterile saline into the catheter. Push the fluid slowly and gently, as injecting too shortly could cause discomfort for the affected person.
Launch the Clamp
As soon as the fluid has been injected, slowly launch the thumb clamp. This permits the fluid to circulate again out of the catheter, carrying any sediment or particles with it. Repeat this technique of injecting fluid and releasing the clamp a number of occasions, or till the irrigant turns into clear and freed from particles.
Flush Quantity and Frequency
| Affected person Inhabitants | Flush Quantity | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | 30 mL | Each 8 hours or as wanted |
| Kids | 10-15 mL | Each 4-6 hours or as wanted |
It is very important keep sterile method all through the flushing process to stop an infection. Use sterile tools, and wash your fingers totally earlier than and after dealing with the catheter or flushing tools.
Draining the Bladder
The ultimate step in flushing a Foley catheter includes draining the bladder. That is achieved by opening the drainage valve on the finish of the catheter and permitting the urine to circulate into a delegated assortment container:
- Find the drainage valve: The drainage valve is often positioned on the finish of the catheter tubing and is often coloured blue or inexperienced.
- Open the valve: Gently flip the valve counterclockwise to open it and permit urine to circulate.
- Place the gathering container: Place the gathering container beneath the drainage valve to gather the urine.
- Monitor the circulate: Observe the urine circulate and word any modifications in coloration, consistency, or odor.
- Shut the valve: As soon as the bladder is empty, flip the valve clockwise to shut it and forestall any additional drainage.
- Empty the gathering container: Get rid of the urine within the assortment container in response to established protocols.
- Report the output: Doc the quantity of urine drained within the affected person’s medical report for monitoring functions.
| Step | Motion |
|---|---|
| 1 | Find the drainage valve |
| 2 | Open the valve |
| 3 | Place the gathering container |
| 4 | Monitor the circulate |
| 5 | Shut the valve |
| 6 | Empty the gathering container |
| 7 | Report the output |
Withdrawing the Syringe
Upon getting flushed the catheter, it is time to withdraw the syringe. To do that, gently pull again on the plunger of the syringe till all the fluid has been eliminated. Watch out to not pull again too shortly, as this might trigger the catheter to be pulled out of the bladder.
As soon as all the fluid has been eliminated, slowly take away the syringe from the catheter. Watch out to not contact the tip of the syringe, as this might contaminate the fluid.
As soon as the syringe has been eliminated, eliminate it in a sharps container. Don’t reuse syringes.
Suggestions for withdrawing the syringe
- Pull again on the plunger of the syringe slowly and gently.
- Watch out to not pull again too shortly, as this might trigger the catheter to be pulled out of the bladder.
- As soon as all the fluid has been eliminated, slowly take away the syringe from the catheter.
- Watch out to not contact the tip of the syringe, as this might contaminate the fluid.
- As soon as the syringe has been eliminated, eliminate it in a sharps container.
- Don’t reuse syringes.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Collect your provides. You will want a syringe, a Foley catheter, and a bowl of sterile water. |
| 2 | Fill the syringe with sterile water. |
| 3 | Connect 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 till the Foley catheter is flushed. |
| 7 | Disconnect the Foley catheter from the syringe. |
| 8 | Slowly take away the Foley catheter from the bladder. |
Publish-Process Care
After the Foley catheter is inserted, you will need to observe the physician’s directions on look after it. It will assist to stop an infection and different problems.
Normal Care
Listed here are some common recommendations on look after a Foley catheter:
– Preserve the world across the catheter clear and dry.
– Change the catheter bag each 7-10 days.
– Drink loads of fluids to assist flush out the bladder.
– Do not pull on the catheter or tug on the tubing.
– If the catheter turns into dislodged, name the physician straight away.
Flushing the Catheter
Flushing the catheter helps to maintain it away from particles and forestall an infection. Listed here are the steps on flush a Foley catheter:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Collect your provides. You will want a syringe, sterile water or saline, and a catheter irrigation package. |
| 2 | Wash your fingers totally. |
| 3 | Connect the syringe to the irrigation package. |
| 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 till the catheter is evident of particles. |
| 9 | As soon as the catheter is evident, clamp the catheter tubing and take away the syringe. It’s possible you’ll want to make use of a small quantity of strain to take away the syringe, because the fluid within the catheter will create a vacuum. |
Flushing the catheter ought to be achieved 2-4 occasions per day, or as directed by the physician.
Troubleshooting Widespread Points
1. The Foley catheter will not be draining.
Test if the catheter tubing is kinked or twisted. Whether it is, gently straighten it out.
Test if the drainage bag is full. Whether it is, empty it.
Test if the affected person is mendacity on the catheter tubing. If they’re, reposition them in order that the tubing will not be compressed.
Test if the catheter is clogged. Whether it is, strive flushing it with sterile water or saline.
2. The Foley catheter is leaking.
Test if the catheter balloon is inflated. If it isn’t, inflate it with sterile water or saline.
Test if the catheter is inserted correctly. If it isn’t, reinsert it.
Test if the catheter is the proper measurement. If it isn’t, change it with a catheter of the proper measurement.
Test if the catheter is broken. Whether it is, change it with a brand new catheter.
3. The affected person is experiencing ache or discomfort.
Test if the catheter is inserted correctly. If it isn’t, reinsert it.
Test if the catheter is the proper measurement. If it isn’t, change it with a catheter of the proper measurement.
Test if the catheter is inflicting any irritation or injury to the urethra. Whether it is, change it with a brand new catheter.
Test if the affected person is allergic to the fabric of the catheter. If they’re, change it with a catheter fabricated from a unique materials.
4. The catheter will not be flushing correctly.
Test if the syringe is full of the correct quantity of fluid. If it isn’t, fill it with the correct quantity of fluid.
Test if the syringe is hooked up to the catheter accurately. If it isn’t, connect it accurately.
Test if the catheter is clogged. Whether it is, strive flushing it with sterile water or saline.
Test if the affected person is mendacity on the catheter tubing. If they’re, reposition them in order that the tubing will not be compressed.
5. The catheter is inflicting different issues.
Test if the catheter is inflicting another issues, equivalent to an infection or bleeding. Whether it is, contact your physician or nurse instantly.
6. I am undecided what to do.
If you happen to’re undecided what to do, contact your physician or nurse instantly.
7. Further suggestions
– To stop Foley catheter issues, you will need to preserve the catheter clear and dry.
– Change the drainage bag each 24 hours.
– Flush the catheter with sterile water or saline each 8 hours.
– If in case you have any questions or considerations about your Foley catheter, speak to your physician or nurse.
8. Troubleshooting desk
| Downside | Resolution |
|---|---|
| The Foley catheter will not be draining. | Test if the catheter tubing is kinked or twisted. Whether it is, gently straighten it out. |
| The Foley catheter is leaking. | Test if the catheter balloon is inflated. If it isn’t, inflate it with sterile water or saline. |
| The affected person is experiencing ache or discomfort. | Test if the catheter is inserted correctly. If it isn’t, reinsert it. |
| The catheter will not be flushing correctly. | Test if the syringe is full of the correct quantity of fluid. If it isn’t, fill it with the correct quantity of fluid. |
| The catheter is inflicting different issues. | Test if the catheter is inflicting another issues, equivalent to an infection or bleeding. Whether it is, contact your physician or nurse instantly. |
9. When to contact a physician
If in case you have any of the next signs, contact your physician or nurse instantly:
– Ache or discomfort
– Leakage
– Bleeding
– An infection
– Different issues
10. Different sources
– [Foley Catheter Care](https://www.webmd.com/urinary-incontinence-oab/foley-catheter-care)
– [Foley Catheter Troubleshooting](https://www.healthline.com/well being/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 have:
- A Foley catheter
- A syringe
- Regular saline resolution
- A bowl
- Gloves
Directions:
- Placed on gloves.
- Fill the syringe with regular saline resolution.
- Connect the syringe to the Foley catheter.
- Inject the conventional saline resolution into the catheter.
- Detach the syringe from the catheter.
- Enable the conventional saline resolution to circulate by the catheter and into the bowl.
- Repeat steps 3-6 till the urine is evident.
Individuals Additionally Ask:
How typically ought to I flush my Foley catheter?
It’s best to flush your Foley catheter each 8-12 hours.
What’s the function of flushing my Foley catheter?
Flushing your Foley catheter helps to stop blockages and infections.
What ought to I do if my Foley catheter is blocked?
In case your Foley catheter is blocked, you need to attempt to flush it with regular saline resolution. If the blockage doesn’t clear, you need to name your physician.
