Care Plan for Foley Catheter

Category / Primary Body System

• Urinary System

Problem

• Patient is at risk for complications due to Foley catheter use.

Goal

• Patient will not develop complications (e.g., UTI, obstruction) within 90 days.

Plan/Approach

1. Education

   • Educate the patient on aspects and risks of catheter use
   • Teach proper catheter care and hygiene practices

2. Positioning and Securing

   • Keep the catheter bag below the level of the bladder
   • Anchor tubing securely to avoid drag and monitor for possible kinking
   • Use dignity cover when leaving the room

3. Monitoring and Assessment

   • Monitor urine for cloudiness, sediment, hematuria, and odor
   • Notify the physician if abnormalities are detected
   • Monitor the catheter for leaking, clogging, and poor flow
   • Irrigate the Foley catheter as ordered
   • Obtain urine specimens as ordered
   • Monitor intake and output as indicated

4. Hydration and Nutrition

   • Encourage fluids as tolerated unless contraindicated

5. Catheter Care

   • Perform catheter care each shift and as needed (PRN)

Rationale

1. Education

   • Educating the patient on catheter use and associated risks empowers them to participate in their own care and understand the importance of hygiene and monitoring for complications.

2. Positioning and Securing

   • Keeping the catheter bag below bladder level prevents backflow, reducing the risk of infection. Secure tubing prevents accidental dislodgement and kinking.
   • Using dignity covers helps maintain the patient's privacy and dignity when moving around.

3. Monitoring and Assessment

   • Regularly monitoring urine and catheter function allows for early detection of potential complications such as infections, blockages, and leakage, enabling prompt intervention.
   • Proper irrigation and specimen collection ensure the catheter remains patent and that accurate diagnostic information is obtained.
   • Monitoring intake and output helps assess kidney function and fluid balance, which is crucial for patients with Foley catheters.

4. Hydration and Nutrition

   • Encouraging fluid intake helps flush the urinary system, reducing the risk of infection and blockage.

5. Catheter Care

   • Regular catheter care prevents infection, maintains cleanliness, and ensures the catheter functions properly.

Actions

1. Education

   • Educate the patient on the purpose, risks, and care of the Foley catheter during initial insertion and periodically thereafter.
   • Provide written materials and demonstrate proper catheter care techniques.

2. Positioning and Securing

   • Ensure the catheter bag is always positioned below the bladder level.
   • Secure the catheter tubing to the patient's leg or abdomen using appropriate securing devices to prevent movement and kinking.
   • Utilize dignity covers when the patient leaves the room to maintain privacy.

3. Monitoring and Assessment

   • Check urine characteristics (cloudiness, sediment, hematuria, odor) every shift and document findings. Notify the physician if abnormalities are noted.
   • Inspect the catheter and tubing for any signs of leaking, clogging, or poor flow every shift and PRN.
   • Irrigate the catheter as ordered by the physician to ensure patency.
   • Collect urine specimens as ordered for laboratory analysis.
   • Monitor and document the patient's intake and output every shift and PRN to assess fluid balance.

4. Hydration and Nutrition

   • Encourage the patient to drink fluids regularly, unless contraindicated, to help maintain urinary tract health.

5. Catheter Care

   • Perform catheter care every shift and as needed, following established protocols to maintain cleanliness and reduce infection risk.