URINARY CATHETERIZATION PROCEDURE (FOLEY’S CATHETER)

1. Definition

• Urinary catheterization is a sterile procedure of inserting a catheter into the urinary bladder through the urethra to drain urine.

2. Purpose

• To relieve urinary retention

• To monitor urine output accurately

• To obtain sterile urine sample

• To prepare patient for surgery

3. Indications

• Urinary retention

• Incontinence (selected cases)

• Pre/post-operative patients

• Critically ill patients (monitor output)

4. Contraindications

⚠️ Avoid or use caution in:

• Urethral injury

• Severe infection

• Recent urological surgery (unless ordered)

5. Articles / Equipment

🧰 Equipment:

• Sterile catheter (Foley’s)

• Sterile tray

• Forceps

🧴 Supplies:

• Sterile gloves

• Lubricant (lignocaine jelly)

• Antiseptic solution

• Sterile gauze

• Syringe with sterile water (for balloon)

• Urine collection bag

📋 Records:

• Intake-output chart

6. Patient Preparation

• Explain procedure and obtain consent

• Provide privacy

• Position patient:

  • Female: dorsal recumbent

  • Male: supine

• Clean genital area

7. Procedure Steps (Step-by-Step Sentences)

1. Wash hands thoroughly and prepare all articles.

2. Explain the procedure to the patient and ensure comfort.

3. Position the patient appropriately and expose the genital area.

4. Place mackintosh and drape the area.

5. Open sterile catheterization set using aseptic technique.

6. Wear sterile gloves.

7. Clean the urethral opening with antiseptic solution using sterile swabs.

8. Apply sterile lubricant to the catheter tip.

🔹 For Female Patient

9. Separate the labia with non-dominant hand.

10. Insert the catheter gently into the urethra until urine flows.

🔹 For Male Patient

11. Hold the penis at 90° angle.

12. Insert the catheter slowly until urine flows.

13. Advance the catheter 2–3 cm further after urine appears.

14. Inflate the balloon with sterile water as per guideline.

15. Connect the catheter to urine collection bag.

16. Fix the catheter to the thigh to prevent pulling.

17. Ensure free flow of urine.

18. Make the patient comfortable.

19. Dispose of waste properly.

20. Remove gloves and wash hands.

21. Record the procedure and urine output.

8. Post Procedure Care

• Maintain catheter hygiene

• Monitor urine output and color

• Keep drainage bag below bladder level

• Prevent kinking of tube

9. Complications

• Urinary tract infection (UTI)

• Trauma to urethra

• Bleeding

• Catheter blockage

10. Health Education

• Maintain personal hygiene

• Do not pull catheter

• Drink adequate fluids

• Report pain, fever, or no urine output

🎯 Viva Questions

Q1. Why is balloon inflated in Foley’s catheter?👉 To keep catheter in place

Q2. What is the main complication?👉 Urinary tract infection

Q3. What is normal urine output?👉 About 30 ml/hour