{"id":255,"date":"2016-06-16T16:49:56","date_gmt":"2016-06-16T16:49:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.medelit.com\/uk\/?post_type=avada_portfolio&#038;p=255"},"modified":"2019-07-06T07:05:02","modified_gmt":"2019-07-06T07:05:02","slug":"foley-catheter-care-guide-patients","status":"publish","type":"avada_portfolio","link":"https:\/\/www.medelit.com\/uk\/portfolio-items\/foley-catheter-care-guide-patients\/","title":{"rendered":"Foley catheter: A guide for patients and caretakers"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-1 fusion-flex-container hundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-background-position:left top;--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-padding-top:20px;--awb-padding-bottom:20px;--awb-border-sizes-top:0px;--awb-border-sizes-bottom:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"width:calc( 100% + 0px ) !important;max-width:calc( 100% + 0px ) !important;margin-left: calc(-0px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-0px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-0 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column fusion-flex-align-self-flex-start fusion-column-no-min-height\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-large:0px;--awb-spacing-left-large:0px;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-spacing-right-medium:0px;--awb-spacing-left-medium:0px;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-spacing-right-small:0px;--awb-spacing-left-small:0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-1 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-one\"><h1 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left\" style=\"margin:0;\"><p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 36pt;\">Urinary Catheter Care and maintenance at home.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 36pt;\"> A guide for patients and caretakers<\/span><\/p><\/h1><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-1\"><h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #ca1517;\">What is a urinary catheter?<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">A foley catheter, is a small, soft tube that is inserted into the bladder through the urethra (communication channel between the bladder and the outside).<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The catheter&#8217;s tip inside the bladder is surrounded by an inflatable balloon which, once filled with saline, ensures that the catheter doesn&#8217;t slip out of place.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The outer end of the catheter, outside the body, is attached to a bag where the urine <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">can spill out automatically, by gravity.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">There are two different types of collection bag:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">a smaller, portable bag, which can be hidden under the clothes and allows you to move around freely.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">A larger bag, which is generally used either at night or for bedridden patients, and is attached to the bed.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #ca1517; font-size: 14pt;\"><b>What are the indications for placing an indwelling catheter?<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Catheters are usually positioned when a person can&#8217;t empty their bladder. This problem can be due to issues that involve the urethra or the bladder.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\">There are various alternatives which can be evaluated in alternative to placing an indwelling catheter, and they should always be considered before taking a decision.<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">For example, in cases of Incontinence, a b<\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">edside commode or continence garments can be used. In cases of one-time, intermittent or chronic voiding needs, a straight catheter can be considered, while for cooperative meno without urinary retention or obstruction, an external &#8220;condom&#8221; catheter can be positioned.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<pre lang=\"en\"><span style=\"color: #212121;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">However, there are cases in which there is a clear indication for the positioning of a foley catheter, for example:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/pre>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><em><span style=\"color: #212121;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en\">Acute urinary retention <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/em><span style=\"color: #212121;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en\">due to a malfunction of the bladder muscles as happens for example in diabetic neuropathy, after a stroke or even after a urinary tract infection. Some medications, such as neuroleptics, anaesthetics and antidepressants, can lead to a weakening of the bladder<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><em><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Acute urethra obstruction <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/em><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">e.g., urethral compression in men with prostate enlargement, radiotherapy or stones<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">to monitor urinary functions in<\/span><\/span><\/span><em><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"> critically ill patients<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/em><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">to help healing processes of <\/span><\/span><\/span><em><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">perineal wounds in incontinent patients<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/em><\/li>\n<li><em><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">when the patient requires strict prolonged immobilization <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/em><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">(e.g., lumbar spine injuries or multiple traumatic injuries)<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">In some surgical cases, such as surgery on adjacent structures of the genitourinary tract, prolonged surgery, Large volume infusions or diuretics anticipated during surgery or the need for intra-operative monitoring of urinary output<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 lang=\"en\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #ca1517; font-size: 14pt;\"><b>How is the catheter placed?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p lang=\"en\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #212121;\"><span lang=\"en\">There is no need to be hospitalized for the procedure. The<\/span><\/span> catheter can easily be positioned also at home. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" align=\"LEFT\"><span style=\"color: #474747;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Your caregiver will clean your genital area. He will then lubricate the tip of the catheter with a special jell, so as to help it go in smoothly. He will insert the end of the catheter with the deflated balloon into your urethra and will slowly and gently push it until it reaches your bladder. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" align=\"LEFT\"><span style=\"color: #474747;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">To reduce discomfort you should take slow, deep breaths and gently push as if you were trying to urinate while the catheter is being inserted.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #474747;\">When your caregiver sees urine flowing from the catheter, he will fill the balloon so that it stays in place. The open end of the catheter will then be attached to a sterile drainage bag.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<pre lang=\"en\"><span style=\"color: #212121;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Many catheters are made in latex, so it is very important to alert your doctor if you have an allergy to latex so that a latex-free catheter can be used.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/pre>\n<h2 lang=\"en\"><span style=\"color: #ca1517; font-size: 14pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><b>How to handle the catheter at home:<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<p lang=\"en\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #212121;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en\">Here are some basic rules to make life more comfortable and safe.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #212121;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en\">1- Never remove the catheter on your own. If the catheter is causing you excessive discomfort or if you feel it&#8217;s time to remove it you, have to call a doctor or a nurse. Removing the catheter yourself may cause damage to the urethra and bladder.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #212121;\"><span lang=\"en\">2- Do not pull on the catheter.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #212121;\"><span lang=\"en\">3- Check that the pipe doesn&#8217;t kink or fold.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #212121;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en\">4- Do not obstruct the catheter in any way. Be careful not to walk on it, pinch it or place heavy objects on it. The system should be maintained constantly open so that urine can flow freely.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #212121;\"><span lang=\"en\">5- Always wash your hands with soap before and after touching the catheter.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #212121;\"><span lang=\"en\">6- Keep skin and catheter clean . Clean the skin around the insertion, with soap and water at least twice a day and after every discharge of feces.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #212121;\"><span lang=\"en\">7- Empty the bag every 4-8 hours or more frequently if necessary. If the bag is too full, urine can make its way back into the bladder.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #212121;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en\">8- Make sure the urine bag is at a lower level than the rest of the body. This reduces the risk of reflux of urine from the bag back into the bladder. The urine in the bag is not sterile, and if it enters the bladder it can lead to infections.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #212121;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en\">9- Drink plenty of water. Unless you receive other indications from your doctor, you should drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. Fluids help &#8220;wash&#8221; the bladder and reduce the risk of building up deposits that may clog the catheter. Furthermore, it is advisable to avoid caffeine because it has dehydrating effects.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #212121;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en\">10- Maintain a regular bowel function. Constipation is associated with an increased risk of urinary tract infections and the strain applied at discharge can lead to leakage from the catheter.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #212121;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en\">11- Opt for cotton for your underwear as it allows the genital area skin to breathe.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #212121;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en\">12- Sexual intercourse should be avoided with a urinary catheter.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #212121;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">13- Avoid foods and drinks that can disrupt the bladder such as caffeine, spicy foods, alcohol, carbonated drinks and chocolate.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #212121;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en\">14- Do not take a bath while wearing a catheter. It is better to wash with a shower, if is possible.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #212121;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en\">15-You should always keep two extra catheters at home, so as to have a ready substitution in case of an emergency.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #ca1517; font-size: 14pt;\"> <span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span lang=\"en\"><b>How to clean for urinary catheter:<\/b><\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #ca1517;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en\"><b>Prepare:<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #212121;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en\">1-bowl with warm soapy water<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #212121;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en\">2- damp clean cloth<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #212121;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en\">3-Clean dry towel<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #212121;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en\">4- Waterproof bed sheet if the patient is bedridden<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #212121;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en\"><b><span style=\"color: #ca1517;\">Procedure<\/span>:<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #212121;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en\">1-Wash your hands with warm water and soap<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #212121;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en\">2-gently hold the catheter near the insertion with one hand while performing cleaning operations. This will avoid tractions on the urethra and bladder.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #212121;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en\">3- wash the genital area around the catheter with soap and warm water. The washing must be done with a circular movement, starting from the area closest to the catheter insertion and moving away gradually. Leave the area around the anus for last.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #212121;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en\">4- Set aside the cloth used for washing and don&#8217;t use it again untila it has been properly washed in a washing machine, possibly at high temperatures.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #212121;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">5- Dry with a clean towel, following the same direction as for the cleaning process (start near the insertion and move away, leaving the perianal area for last).<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #212121;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en\">6- use a clean container to empty the bag and clean it every time you use it so that it can always ready and available.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #212121;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en\"><span style=\"color: #ca1517;\"><b>A little tip<\/b>:<\/span> if more than one person take care of the catheter, we recommend setting up a written care diary in which all carers can report the time and procedure performed at each intervention (ex. At 08.30 cleaning and emptying). This will help ensure that hygiene and the maintenance are carried regularly.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #ca1517; font-size: 14pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span lang=\"en\"><b>What problems may arise with your foley catheter ?<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<p lang=\"en\"><span style=\"color: #212121;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The most important risk is the developing of a urinary infection caused by bacteria. The application of correct rules for the maintenance of hygiene is essential for the prevention of the problem. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 lang=\"en\"><span style=\"color: #ca1517; font-size: 14pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span lang=\"en\"><b>Urine Leaks from the catheter<\/b><\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/h2>\n<p lang=\"en\"><span style=\"color: #212121;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en\">Occasional episodes of leakage from the catheter should not worry you. However, if the problem persists, if it happens too frequently or brings to a significant loss of urine, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a nurse or doctor.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 lang=\"en\"><span style=\"color: #ca1517; font-size: 14pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span lang=\"en\"><b>No urine is draining in the bag<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<p lang=\"en\"><span style=\"color: #212121;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en\"><b>Before calling for help you should try:<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>\n<pre lang=\"en\"><span style=\"color: #212121;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">changing the position of the body<\/span><\/span><\/span>\r\n<\/pre>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<pre lang=\"en\"><span style=\"color: #212121;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">checking that there are no obstructions or kinks in the pipe<\/span><\/span><\/span>\r\n<\/pre>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<pre lang=\"en\"><span style=\"color: #212121;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">check that the bag is lower than the bladder<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/pre>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<pre><span style=\"color: #212121;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en\">If none of the above works, you should seek medical assistance.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/pre>\n<h2 lang=\"en\"><span style=\"color: #ca1517; font-size: 14pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><b>When to contact your doctor or nurse:<\/b><\/span> <\/span><\/h2>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>\n<p lang=\"en\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">excessive or continuous leakage from the catheter<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p lang=\"en\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">foul-smelling or cloudy urine or crystals in the tubing<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p lang=\"en\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">blood in the urine<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p lang=\"en\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">fever above 38 \u00b0 C<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p lang=\"en\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">lower back pain<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p lang=\"en\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">swelling around the access area, especially in men<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p lang=\"en\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">sudden confusion or signs of disorientation in the patient<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p lang=\"en\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Failure to fill the urine bag<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 lang=\"en\"><span style=\"color: #ca1517; font-size: 14pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span lang=\"en\"><b>What NOT to do :<\/b><\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/h2>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>\n<pre lang=\"en\"><span style=\"color: #212121;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">do not close the catheter<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/pre>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>\n<pre lang=\"en\"><span style=\"color: #212121;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">do non irrigate the catheter unless you have been instructed to do so by your doctor or nurse<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/pre>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>\n<pre lang=\"en\"><span style=\"color: #212121;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Do not move or remove the catheter.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/pre>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p lang=\"it-IT\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>In any case, the first rule when going home with a catheter is to take notes of your healthcare provider&#8217;s instructions and contact details and ask as many questions as possible in case of doubts.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #474747;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you. <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">The above information is an educational aid only. If you have any suggestions or requests regarding these contents please feel free to let us know. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Care and maintenance of the Urinary Catheter at home. A guide for patients, their families and caretakers.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":321,"menu_order":0,"template":"","format":"gallery","meta":{"footnotes":""},"portfolio_category":[3],"portfolio_skills":[],"portfolio_tags":[18,9,12,13,11,15,14,10,16,17],"class_list":["post-255","avada_portfolio","type-avada_portfolio","status-publish","format-gallery","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","portfolio_category-news","portfolio_tags-advice-catheter","portfolio_tags-catheter","portfolio_tags-catheter-care","portfolio_tags-catheter-guide-for-patients","portfolio_tags-catheter-guidelines","portfolio_tags-catheter-hygiene","portfolio_tags-catheter-instructions","portfolio_tags-catheter-maintenance","portfolio_tags-cleaning-catheter","portfolio_tags-washing-catheter"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Foley Catheter: A Guide for Patiente and Caretakers<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Urinary Catheter Care and maintenance at home. 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