A Foley catheter is a flexible, thin tube inserted into the bladder to drain urine. It is commonly used when individuals cannot urinate on their own, due to various medical reasons. A small balloon at the catheter’s tip is inflated with sterile water to keep it securely inside the bladder, allowing urine to flow into an external collection bag. Flushing the catheter helps maintain its patency and prevents potential blockages, ensuring continuous drainage.
Why Flushing is Necessary
Flushing a Foley catheter is important to prevent complications. Over time, the catheter can become obstructed by substances like mucus, sediment, or blood clots. These blockages can impede urine flow, leading to reduced or stopped output. An obstructed catheter can cause urine to back up into the kidneys, leading to discomfort, bladder distension, and a higher risk of urinary tract infections. Regular flushing helps clear these obstructions, ensuring effective drainage and patient comfort.
Recommended Flushing Solutions
The most commonly recommended solution for flushing a Foley catheter is sterile normal saline, which is a 0.9% sodium chloride solution. This solution is preferred because it is isotonic, meaning it has a salt concentration similar to the body’s fluids, making it safe and compatible with the body. Sterile normal saline is widely available and effective for general maintenance and clearing minor blockages.
While normal saline is the standard, other solutions might be used in specific medical situations under professional guidance. For instance, sterile water can sometimes be used, especially when addressing sediment buildup. In cases of long-term catheter use where mineral deposits or biofilm buildup occur, a diluted acetic acid solution might be prescribed to help break down these encrustations. Specialized solutions containing anticoagulants or antibiotics may be used if a healthcare provider specifically prescribes them for certain conditions. Tap water, unsterile water, or any household liquids must never be used for flushing, as this can introduce harmful bacteria and lead to severe infections.
Safe Flushing Technique
Flushing a Foley catheter requires careful attention to hygiene and technique to prevent complications. Begin by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds, then dry them with a clean towel. Gather all necessary supplies, including a sterile catheter-tip syringe, alcohol wipes, and the prescribed sterile flushing solution. Consider placing a clean drape or towel beneath the catheter connection point to catch any drips.
Before flushing, gently clamp the catheter tubing below the port where the syringe will be inserted to temporarily stop urine flow. Use an alcohol wipe to thoroughly clean the catheter’s access port, rubbing it for about 15 seconds, and allow it to air dry completely to prevent contamination. Attach the sterile syringe, filled with the flushing solution, to the cleaned access port of the catheter. Gently and slowly instill the solution into the catheter by pushing the syringe plunger.
If you encounter any resistance, stop immediately; do not force the solution, as this could indicate a significant blockage or other issue requiring medical attention. Once the solution has been instilled, remove the syringe and unclamp the catheter tubing, allowing urine and the flushing solution to drain into the collection bag. Dispose of all used supplies properly and wash your hands again.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
Even with proper flushing, certain signs indicate professional medical advice is needed. Contact a healthcare provider if the catheter remains blocked or urine drainage does not resume after flushing. Pain or discomfort during or after flushing, or new abdominal pain, warrants immediate consultation.
Signs of infection also require prompt medical attention. These include fever, chills, cloudy, unusually dark, or foul-smelling urine. Other concerning symptoms include bleeding from the catheter site, blood clots in the urine, or urine leaking around the catheter.
If the catheter appears displaced or has come out, do not attempt reinsertion; seek professional help. These situations may indicate more serious underlying issues requiring medical assessment.