If you, or someone you care for, has an indwelling urinary catheter, also known as a Foley catheter, you will need to follow a few simple steps to maintain your health. A Foley catheter is inserted into your bladder to drain urine. The device consists of sterile tubing with a tiny balloon at the end. After insertion, the balloon is filled with liquid to keep the catheter in place. While the urinary catheter is in place, be sure to follow these tips:
- Clean the genital area around the catheter and outer part of the tubing daily using soap and water.
- Use medical tape or a strap to secure the tube against your body to keep it in place. Excessive movement of the device may cause bladder spasms and pain.
- Attach the device to your body so that the drainage bag stays below the waist.
- Don’t let the tubing get kinked or looped.
- Don’t let the drainage bag touch the floor.
- Maintain a closed catheter system. Don’t disconnect the Foley catheter from the drainage bag outside the body, which collects the urine.
- Empty the drainage bag when it is two-thirds full or every 3 to 6 hours.
- Get instructions from your doctor on how (and how often) to properly clean and change drainage bags. Wear disposable medical gloves when you change the bag.
- Don’t let the end of the catheter or tube touch any item or surface.
- Clean the tube’s ends with an alcohol wipe before reconnecting.
- To prevent infection, be sure to wash your hands, both before and after you touch the catheter, tube or bag.
- Wash your hands before you eat or cook meals.
- Drink liquids as directed to avoid dehydration. You must drink enough water (or other physician-recommended liquids) to flush your bladder and kidneys to prevent infection.
To purchase urinary catheters or other medical supplies, visit MAR-J Medical Supply online. You can also call our toll-free number to order. Your medical supplies can be conveniently shipped to you within the US. If you’re in the Boca Raton area, please visit our retail store.
Image via Shutterstock.com
Recent Comments