Aseptic passage of a Foley catheter into the bladder for drainage or measurement.
Indications
- • Acute urinary retention
- • Accurate I/O in critical illness
- • Peri-operative
- • Neurogenic bladder
Contraindications
- ⚠ Suspected urethral injury (blood at meatus, high-riding prostate)
- ⚠ Recent urological surgery (call urology)
Equipment
- • Sterile catheter kit
- • Foley catheter 14–16 F (F 12–14)
- • Sterile lubricant / lignocaine gel
- • 10 mL water for balloon
- • Urine bag
Positioning
- • Male supine legs slightly abducted; female lithotomy.
Consent
- • Explain indication, benefits, alternatives
- • Explain risks & complications
- • Obtain written/verbal consent as per SOP
- • Document consent
Universal precautions
- • Hand hygiene
- • PPE — gloves, mask, eye protection
- • Aseptic technique
- • Sharps safety
- • Verify patient identity & site
Step-by-step (0/7)
Tap to complete
Clean meatus with antiseptic in one direction.
Non-dominant hand becomes non-sterile after retracting labia/foreskin
Immediate complications
- ⚠ Urethral trauma
- ⚠ False passage
- ⚠ Paraphimosis
- ⚠ Vagal response
Delayed complications
- • CAUTI
- • Stricture
- • Bladder spasm
Recognition
- • No urine return
- • Bleeding
- • Pain out of proportion
Initial management
- • Stop, call urology
- • Deflate & remove if malpositioned
Prevention
- • Aseptic technique
- • Correct size
- • Remove ASAP
Post-procedure observation
- • Urine output q4h
Monitoring
- • Bag position below bladder
- • Signs of CAUTI
Documentation
- • Insertion note
- • Removal indication
Patient instructions
- • Keep bag below bladder
Educational bedside guide. Perform only under supervision until competent. Follow local SOPs and consent policy.
