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BackTable / Urology / Article
How to Flush a Foley Catheter
Bryant Schmitz • Updated Dec 5, 2024 • 37 hits
Foley catheters are commonly used to help drain urine from the bladder, especially for patients who are unable to urinate without intervention. However, Foley catheters can become clogged with debris, mucus, or blood clots, which may cause discomfort or prevent proper drainage. Flushing helps to clear these obstructions and ensures that the catheter continues to drain urine effectively. In cases where urine output decreases or there’s discomfort or resistance when flushing, it may be necessary to flush the catheter to restore normal function. Foley catheter flushing also helps to reduce the risk of infection and other complications. This article covers how to flush a Foley catheter effectively, including what solutions to use, how often to flush, and the steps involved.
Table of Contents
(1) How to Flush a Foley Catheter
(2) What to Flush a Foley Catheter With
(3) How Often to Flush a Foley Catheter
(4) Flushing a Foley Catheter at Home
(5) Conclusion
How to Flush a Foley Catheter
Flushing a Foley catheter should be done within a sterile environment to minimize the risk of infection. Follow these steps to flush the catheter properly:
1. Prepare your supplies: Gather a sterile syringe (10-30 mL), an appropriate flushing solution (normal saline, sterile water, or acetic acid), and sterile gloves if necessary.
2. Position the patient: Ensure the patient is positioned comfortably, with the catheter easily accessible. It’s important to clean the insertion site before handling the catheter.
3. Clean the catheter port: Use an antiseptic wipe to clean the catheter’s flushing port to prevent contamination.
4. Attach the syringe: Fill the syringe with the flushing solution and connect t it to the catheter port.
5. Flush the catheter: Gently inject the solution into the catheter. Do not force the solution if you encounter resistance. If resistance is felt, stop and assess for potential issues, such as clotting or catheter malposition.
6. Observe urine flow: Once the solution is flushed, check that urine starts flowing freely again. If the flow remains obstructed, further investigation may be required.
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What to Flush a Foley Catheter With
The solution used to flush the Foley catheter depends on the patient’s condition and the reason for flushing. Common solutions include:
• Normal saline: Normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) is the most commonly used solution for flushing because it is safe, non-irritating, and compatible with the body’s fluids. It is typically used for general maintenance and to clear small blockages.
• Sterile water: Sterile water can also be used, although it may cause slight irritation in some patients due to its lack of electrolytes. It is generally used when saline is not available or if recommended by the physician.
• Acetic acid: In cases where long-term catheter use causes encrustation or biofilm buildup, diluted acetic acid may be used as a flushing solution. Acetic acid can help break down mineral deposits and reduce the risk of blockages.
• Other solutions: Occasionally, specialized solutions may be prescribed for flushing based on the patient’s individual needs. For example, an antibiotics or antiseptic solution may be used if an infection is suspected.
How Often to Flush a Foley Catheter
The frequency of flushing a Foley catheter depends on the patient's condition and the purpose of the catheter. In general:
• For routine care, flushing the catheter every 4-6 hours may be sufficient to ensure proper function and prevent blockages.
• If a blockage or obstruction is noticed, flushing should be done immediately to clear the catheter.
• For long-term catheter users, especially those at risk for encrustation or infection, more frequent flushing may be required, potentially several times a day.
Flushing a Foley Catheter at Home
Many patients with long-term catheterization may need to flush their Foley catheter at home. Caregivers should be educated on the proper techniques to avoid complications. Key steps include:
• Always wash hands thoroughly before handling the catheter.
• Use sterile equipment and follow recommended flushing procedures to prevent infection.
• If flushing does not resolve the issue, or if signs of infection) appear (fever, redness, increased pain, contact a healthcare provider for further evaluation.
• If a patient is unsure of the technique or the appropriate solution to use, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider for guidance.
Conclusion
Flushing a Foley catheter is an essential procedure for maintaining catheter function and patient comfort. Using the appropriate flushing solution, following sterile techniques, and flushing regularly can prevent complications such as blockages and infections. Educating patients and caregivers on how to flush a Foley catheter effectively, both in the hospital and at home, is key to improving outcomes and minimizing risks associated with catheter use.
Additional resources:
Manual and Continuous Bladder Irrigation: Best Practices. Nursing 2023. 2023;53(5):24-30. doi:10.1097/01.NURSE.0000837385.00000.00.
Standardizing Practice for Intermittent Irrigation of Indwelling Urinary Catheters. J Nurs Care Qual. 2017;32(3):208-214. doi:10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000260.
Efficacy of Bladder Irrigation in Preventing Urinary Tract Infections in Critically Ill Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Am J Infect Control. 2018;46(6):644-649. doi:10.1016/j.ajic.2018.03.024.
Podcast Contributors
Dr. Anne Cameron
Dr. Anne Cameron is a urologist and assistant professor with University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor.
Dr. Suzette Sutherland
Dr. Suzette Sutherland is the director of female urology with UW Medicine in Seattle, Washington.
Cite This Podcast
BackTable, LLC (Producer). (2023, December 27). Ep. 144 – Recurrent UTIs: Controlling Those Nasty Little Bladder Infections [Audio podcast]. Retrieved from https://www.backtable.com
Disclaimer: The Materials available on BackTable.com are for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for the professional judgment of a healthcare professional in diagnosing and treating patients. The opinions expressed by participants of the BackTable Podcast belong solely to the participants, and do not necessarily reflect the views of BackTable.
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