Foley Catheter And Drainage Bag Care.pdf

An indwelling Foley catheter is a soft, rubber tube that continuously drains urine from the bladder, held in place by a small balloon filled with sterile water. Proper care is essential to prevent bladder infections. Patients will learn to use and care for leg bags and night urinary drainage bags, and change them every month. Required supplies include tape, chlorine bleach, water, leg bag, alcohol swabs, and night urinary drainage bag.

To clean the catheter and perineum, wash hands thoroughly, then gently wash the skin around the catheter with mild soap and water at least once a day. Wash the first 6 inches of the catheter and tubing, removing any crusted drainage. Males who are not circumcised should pull the foreskin back to clean the catheter site. Wash the entire perineum from front to back, rinsing with water and drying well.

For leg bag and night drainage bag care, strap the leg bag to the thigh or lower leg, and use the night drainage bag when lying down or sleeping. Keep the drainage bags below the level of the bladder, and check the tubing for kinks every 2 hours. Empty the urine through the drainage spout every 8 hours or when the bag is 2/3 full. Replace the leg and bedside bag at least once a month.

To clean the drainage bags, prepare a cleaning solution with 1 tablespoon of non-perfumed liquid bleach and 150 milliliters of cold water. Wash the outside of the bag and tubing with warm, soapy water, then rinse and fill the bag with the cleaning solution. Swish the solution around, drain, and rinse with cold water. Hang the bag to air dry.

Call the doctor or nurse if temperature exceeds 100.5°F, there is no urine in the bag for 2 hours, or if experiencing fullness, burning, or pain from the catheter site, or a change in urine appearance or odor. In case of emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency center.