 The catheter should be lubricated just prior to insertion, rather than left lying in

lubricant.
 After inserting the catheter, you must NEVER let go of the catheter until after the
balloon has been inflated. If you do not stabilize the catheter after getting it into the
bladder, it could slide out of the bladder and back into the urethra. Then you would
be inflating the balloon without knowing exactly where it is located, which could
result in trauma to the urethra.
 If you wear size 7 ½ sterile gloves, bring one extra pair with you to your check off.
If you wear any other size, bring 2 pairs with you.
 Ask about allergies in general, and then specifically about allergies to Betadine,
Iodine, Shellfish, and Latex.
 Ask patient if he/she has ever had a Foley catheter before. If not, explain that you
will be inserting a small, flexible tube through the urinary opening and into the
bladder. The catheter will be left in place and will automatically and continually
drain urine into a bag.
 If the patient asks if catheterization will hurt, tell them that they may feel some
pressure-type discomfort or burning or may not feel much at all. Tell them that if
they feel any pain to let you know.
 Explain to the patient that you will be setting up a sterile area and ask them not to
move or reach into that area.
 Document the following: time of insertion; catheter size; amount of sterile water
used to inflate balloon; amount, color, and clarity of urine returned; and how
patient tolerated procedure.
 Tell patient that it is important for you to measure their first urinary output.
 Monitor your patient’s output. If they are unable to void, try nursing interventions
that may stimulate the reflex to void. These include assuming a normal position for
voiding if condition allows (women sitting; men standing or sitting on side of bed),
running water in sink, placing hands in water, or pouring water over the patient’s
perineum while on toilet or bedpan.
 If unable to void or voiding only small amounts, palpate your patient’s abdomen for
bladder distention and perform a bladder scan if available (according to policy). If
the bladder is distended, he/she is experiencing discomfort, or if patient has not
voided in 4-6 hours (depending on policy and patient-specific indications), call the
doctor to ask for an order for re-catheterization.