An important nursing skill nursing students learn in nursing school is how to insert a Foley catheter. The process of inserting a catheter is known as catheterization. Nurses must know how to indwell a foley catheter as one of the many duties
of nursing. Inserting a Foley catheter is not an easy process and it involves a great deal of precision to perform correctly. Inserting catheters is a skill that is often used in the medical profession by nurses. Nurses are able to gain access to patients’ bladders and the contents using Foley catheters. Since the catheter can be placed inside the
bladder for an extended period of time, it is known as an indwelling catheter. The patient’s urine drains into a bag that is later taken from an outlet device and subsequently drained. Nurses can send the urine samples to the laboratory for further testing for crystals, infections, blood, kidney function, muscle breakdown, and electrolytes. Catheters are also used to treat bladder outlet obstruction and urinary retention in patients. Steps on How to Inserts a Foley CatheterUsing an indwelling Foley catheter tray, collect all needed supplies.
You can also watch the following video for tips on preparing to insert your Foley:
Tips on Foley Catheter Care
Complications with Inserting a Foley CatheterComplications may include infection or tissue trauma. Other complications include pyelonephritis, renal inflammation, and nephro-cysto-lithiasis when catheters are left in for extended periods of time. One of the short-term complications includes the inability to insert the Foley catheter. It is imperative that nurse learn the proper manner in which to insert a Foley catheter so that their patients do not run the risk of infection and trauma. So many patients suffer from conditions that create the need for catheterization so nurses should make their experiences with Foley catheters as comfortable and painless as possible. What should you do prior to inserting an indwelling urinary catheter?1. Perform hand hygiene immediately before (and after) insertion; 2. Use appropriate antiseptic or sterile solution for peri-urethral cleaning, remove gloves and perform hand hygiene after peri-urethral cleaning and prior to insertion 3. Set up a sterile field; 4.
How do you insert a indwelling catheter in a male?Use your nondominant hand to lift the penis perpendicular to your patient's body, apply slight traction, and gently press both sides to help open the meatus. Encourage your patient to breathe deeply as you gently insert the catheter tip into the meatus.
What should the nurse assess prior to inserting an indwelling catheter?Perform physical assessment of the bladder and perineum. Palpate the bladder for signs of fullness and discomfort. (Bladder emptying may also be assessed using a bladder scanner per agency policy). Inspect the perineum for erythema, discharge, drainage, skin ulcerations, or odor.
What is the recommended position in inserting a catheter for male patients?You'll be placed on your back, facing up with legs extended and flat on the bed. The caregiver will cover you using the sterile drapes provided. A sterile drape will go under your buttocks and the holed drape over the penis. A water-soluble lubricant will be applied to the tip of the catheter.
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