CatheterHomeCareEducation(.doc).docVIP

How to Care for Your Foley Catheter GENERAL INFORMATION: What is it? A Foley catheter is a thin rubber tube which is put into your bladder (organ that holds urine). It is used to drain urine out of your body. A Foley catheter is also called an indwelling catheter. After the catheter is inserted, its tiny tip can be inflated (filled) with sterile (clean) water to make a small balloon. The balloon holds the Foley in place and keeps it from slipping out of your bladder. A Foley catheter can stay in the bladder for a short or long time. How is a Foley catheter put into my bladder? A caregiver will usually put the catheter in for you. You will lie down on a bed with your legs spread apart. Your caregiver will use special soap to clean the skin around your urinary meatus. The urinary meatus is the opening where your urine comes out. The caregiver will put the Foley into your urinary meatus and gently push it into your urethra. When the catheter reaches your bladder, the caregiver will inflate the catheter tip. Your catheter will be connected to a sterile (clean) bag, which will collect your urine. You may have a small leg bag or a larger bag that is attached to your bed or clothing. Daily Care: Follow these steps every day. These will help prevent a bladder or kidney infection and will keep you more comfortable. Always wash your hands before and after doing catheter care. Use soap and warm water. Keep your skin and catheter clean. Clean the skin around your catheter at least once each day. Clean your skin area and catheter after every bowel movement (BM). Always keep your urine bag below the level of your bladder. This is at about the level of your waist. Keeping the bag below this level will prevent urine from flowing back into your bladder from the tubing and urine bag. Backflow of urine can cause an infection. Wear cotton underwear. This will allow good air flow and drying in your genital area. Drink plenty of liquids. Drink at least 8 cups of healthy liquids each da