A Foley catheter is a thin, sterile tube inserted into your bladder to drain urine. Because it can be left in place in the bladder for a period of time, it is also called an indwelling catheter. It is held in place with a balloon at the end, which is filled with sterile water to hold it in place. The urine drains into a bag and can then be taken from an outlet device to be drained. Laboratory tests can be conducted on your urine to look for infection, blood, muscle breakdown, crystals, electrolytes, and kidney function.
HOW TO INSERT A CATHETER (MEN):
1. Assemble all equipment: catheter, lubricant, sterile gloves, cleaning supplies, syringe with water to inflate the balloon, drainage receptacle.
2. Wash your hands. Use betadine or similar cleansing product (unless instructed otherwise) to clean the urethral opening.
3. Apply the sterile gloves. Make sure you do not touch the outside of the gloves with your hands.
4. Lubricate the catheter.
5. Hold the penis on the sides, perpendicular to the body. Stretch the penis away from the body.
6. Begin to gently insert and advance the catheter.
7. You will meet resistance when you reach the level of the external sphincter. Try to relax by deep breathing, and continue to advance the catheter.
8. Once the urine flow starts, continue to advance the catheter to the level of the "Y" connector. Hold the catheter in place while you inflate the balloon. Some men have developed urethral injuries due to the balloon being inflated in the urethra. Care must be taken to ensure the catheter is in the bladder. You may try to irrigate the catheter with a few ounces of sterile water. If the solution does not easily return, you may not have the catheter far enough in the bladder.
9. Secure the catheter, and attach the drainage bag.
They say it's very soft but it is not as soft as it looks, told me one 80 years old black man I met on the first day. His urethra was somehow blocked so the nurse stuck it in there and he was agonizing in pain. I wasn't sure if I should have laughed.
