Indwelling Catheter (Foley)
An indwelling catheter (Foley catheter) is a flexible tube inserted through the urethra into the bladder to continuously drain urine. It is held in place by an inflated balloon and connected to a closed drainage system. Proper catheter care is essential to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs).
Exam Tip
Keep the drainage bag below the bladder and off the floor. Maintain a closed system with unobstructed flow, use routine hygiene, secure the catheter and reassess daily for removal.
What Is an Indwelling Catheter?
An indwelling urinary catheter, commonly called a Foley catheter, is a sterile tube inserted into the bladder through the urethra for continuous urine drainage. A small balloon at the tip is inflated with sterile water to keep the catheter in place. It is connected to a closed drainage system with a collection bag.
Indications for Indwelling Catheter
| Indication | Example |
|---|---|
| Acute urinary retention | Post-surgical inability to void |
| Accurate I&O monitoring | Critical care, hemodynamic instability |
| Perioperative use | Lengthy surgical procedures |
| Selected open sacral/perineal wounds | May assist healing in incontinent patients when clinically indicated; not for every wound |
| Patient comfort | End-of-life care (per patient/family wishes) |
| Prolonged immobilization | Unstable spine, multiple fractures |
Catheter Care (CAUTI Prevention)
| Nursing Intervention | Rationale |
|---|---|
| Perform hand hygiene before and after catheter care | Prevents introduction of bacteria |
| Clean perineal area and catheter with soap and water daily | Removes secretions and bacteria |
| Keep drainage bag BELOW bladder level | Prevents urine backflow |
| Keep tubing free of kinks and loops | Ensures gravity drainage |
| Maintain a closed drainage system | Prevents bacterial entry |
| Empty bag regularly using a clean container dedicated to the patient | Avoids overflow and limits contamination. Keep the spigot from touching the container. |
| Secure catheter to thigh or abdomen | Prevents traction and urethral trauma |
| Assess for removal daily | Shortest duration possible reduces CAUTI risk |
Observations Requiring Clinical Review
- Fever, chills
- Cloudy, foul-smelling urine
- Flank or suprapubic pain
- New onset confusion (especially in elderly)
- Elevated WBC count
Exam Alert
Catheter care questions appear in the Safety and Infection Prevention and Control and Basic Care and Comfort subcategories on the NCLEX-PN. Key rules: keep the bag below the bladder, maintain a closed drainage system, clean daily, and advocate for earliest removal. Know CAUTI prevention as it is a hospital-acquired infection (HAI) quality measure.
Urine odor or cloudiness alone does not diagnose a UTI. Keep the bag off the floor, maintain the closed system, and report pain, fever, new confusion or flow changes. CNAs do not independently insert, irrigate or remove a catheter. Official guidance.
Study This Term In
1 Job Wiki RadioThird-party resources · We may earn a commission from purchases.
Next Generation NCLEX-PN Study Guide 2025-2026: Complete Review + 725 Questions and Detailed Answer Explanations (5 Full-Length Exams)
By Test Prep, Newstone
$29.99 · 
Online course on Mometrix
Practice exams on ExamEdge
Take courses on UdemyThird-party resources · We may earn a commission from purchases.
CNA Study Guide 2025-2026: Complete Review + 560 Questions and Detailed Answer Explanations for the Certified Nursing Assistant Exam (8 Full-Length Exams)
By CNA Test Prep Team, Newstone
$19.99 ·
Practice exams on ExamEdgeTake courses on UdemyFlashcards on MometrixRelated Terms
Standard Precautions (Nursing)
Standard precautions are a set of infection control practices used with ALL patients regardless of diagnosis or infection status. They include hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe injection practices, respiratory hygiene, and proper handling of contaminated equipment and surfaces.
Intake and Output (I&O)
Intake and output (I&O) records measured fluid entering and leaving the body over a defined period, often 24 hours. The care team uses it with weight trends and clinical findings to assess fluid balance.
Scope of Practice (Nursing)
Scope of practice defines what a healthcare professional is legally authorized to do. LPN/LVN practice depends on the jurisdiction's nursing laws, the setting, required supervision and the nurse's competence.
Your AI study companion · 10 free interactions a day
Stay Updated
Get free exam tips and study guides delivered to your inbox.