Knowing how to safely insert and care for a Foley catheter is a must-have skill for every nurse, whether you’re a student studying for the NCLEX, a new registered nurse (RN), or reviewing essentials from a nursing bundle. This guide breaks it down into easy steps, so you can feel confident and keep your patients safe.
📌 What Is a Foley Catheter?
A Foley catheter is a flexible tube placed into the bladder to drain urine. It’s held in place by a small balloon inflated with sterile water. Foley catheters are common in hospitals, especially for patients who:
- Can’t urinate on their own
- Need strict urine output monitoring in critical care
- Are having surgery
🗂️ Supplies You Need
Before you start, gather:
✅ Foley catheter kit (sterile gloves, drape, antiseptic, catheter, syringe prefilled with sterile water, drainage bag)
✅ Extra gloves
✅ Waterproof pad
✅ Securement device or tape
✅ Trash bag
Tip: Always verify the doctor’s order and explain the procedure to your patient.
🔑 Insertion: Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps — and remember, sterile technique is key!
1️⃣ Wash Hands and Set Up
- Perform hand hygiene.
- Open the Foley kit using sterile technique.
- Don sterile gloves.
2️⃣ Position the Patient
- For females: Dorsal recumbent (lying on back, knees bent).
- For males: Supine with legs extended.
Place a waterproof pad under the patient’s hips.
3️⃣ Clean the Area
- Use sterile swabs:
- Females: Wipe labia front to back, each side then center.
- Males: Clean tip of penis in circular motion outward.
4️⃣ Insert the Catheter
- Hold the catheter 2–3 inches from the tip.
- Ask patient to take a deep breath.
- Gently insert until you see urine flow.
- Female: Insert 2–3 more inches after urine appears.
- Male: Insert to the bifurcation (Y-port).
5️⃣ Inflate the Balloon
- Use the syringe to inflate the balloon with sterile water.
- Gently pull back until you feel resistance — this confirms balloon placement.
6️⃣ Secure and Connect
- Attach catheter to drainage bag.
- Secure catheter to patient’s thigh or abdomen (for males) with a securement device.
- Position bag below bladder level to prevent backflow.
✅ Caring for a Foley Catheter
After insertion, proper care prevents infections:
✔️ Daily Care
- Keep the area clean and dry.
- Perform perineal care daily and after bowel movements.
- Avoid pulling or tugging on the catheter.
✔️ Empty the Drainage Bag
- Empty when bag is about ½ to ⅔ full.
- Use a clean container.
- Don’t let bag touch the floor.
✔️ Check for Problems
- Watch for signs of infection: cloudy urine, odor, pain, fever.
- Report any problems to your RN nurse or doctor immediately.
✔️ Removal
- Follow doctor’s order.
- Deflate the balloon fully before gently removing the catheter.
- Observe first void after removal and document.
🎓 NCLEX & Nursing Bundle Tips
✅ Foley catheter care is a popular topic on the NCLEX.
✅ Questions often focus on sterile technique and infection prevention.
✅ Use your nursing bundle resources for practice questions and step-by-step diagrams.
🏷️ Key Takeaway
Mastering Foley catheter insertion and care is essential for every registered nurse. Safe practice protects your patient and your nursing license — and helps you pass the NCLEX with confidence!