Care Plan for Foley Catheter
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
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Education
- Educate the patient on aspects and risks of catheter use
- Teach proper catheter care and hygiene practices
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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
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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
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Hydration and Nutrition
- Encourage fluids as tolerated unless contraindicated
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Catheter Care
- Perform catheter care each shift and as needed (PRN)
Rationale
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Hydration and Nutrition
- Encouraging fluid intake helps flush the urinary system, reducing the risk of infection and blockage.
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Catheter Care
- Regular catheter care prevents infection, maintains cleanliness, and ensures the catheter functions properly.
Actions
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Hydration and Nutrition
- Encourage the patient to drink fluids regularly, unless contraindicated, to help maintain urinary tract health.
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Catheter Care
- Perform catheter care every shift and as needed, following established protocols to maintain cleanliness and reduce infection risk.