How to Properly Care for and Maintain a Foley Catheter
Oftentimes, when an individual is put in the hospital to undergo a surgical procedure or due to some other type of serious illness, they will have a Foley catheter inserted into the bladder area. This type of catheter uses a tube that is flexible in nature to go up inside of the bladder and help drain urine from the bladder out of the body and into a urine collection bag. Catheters are primarily only used on patients who are going to be incapable of getting out of bed to go to the bathroom. These devices are also used for patients who suffer from certain types of incontinence as well. Oftentimes, if the catheter is not properly cared for, it can result in getting a serious infection.
Before a nurse or other medical professional inserts the Foley catheter into the patient, it is sterilized. Keeping the insertion area on the patient clean is just as important as keeping the equipment clean. Most medical professionals use a special cleanser that comes with the catheter to clean the equipment and the area on the body. It is also important to make sure that there is a direct order from your physician stating that you need the catheter inserted. (more…)