Completely confused about filling Foley balloon

[fsaav]

I'm in my first semester of nursing school and we've been going over Foley catheters. My problem is about filling the balloon. We're using Kendall KenGuard Foley catheter kits and the tubing says "5 cc silicone coated, 10 ml inflation." The kit comes with a pre-filled syringe of 10 ml. The first instructor who taught us the technique showed us to fill the balloon with the entire 10 ml of fluid. When I asked what the "5 cc silicone coated" meant she basically blew me off and said just to instill 10 ml. Well, last night we were going over it again with a different instructor and she told us to use 5 cc and that they give us a little extra in the syringe just in case. When I asked her why the tubing also said "10 ml inflation" she couldn't answer and just said that you always use 5 cc and that it's standard.

I'm completely confused. Can someone clear this up for me?

[november17, ASN, RN]

Always use the ten milliliters! If you are concerned about the balloon "popping" then that's why you "test" inflate the balloon prior to insertion.

[mablackbear]

In the two places I've worked, I've used 10ml to inflate foleys, though I can't remember what the tubing stated (it's been a while)... Always check that the balloon is in good condition before inserting it by inflating it with the full amount you intend to use (and then deflating it of course before you insert it :wink2:).

Another foley tidbit I learned from a really excellent CNS... research shows that when deflating the balloon, it's better to let it be a passive process instead of actively aspirating the contents of the balloon (by actively pulling on the syringe, you have a higher risk of tearing the bladder). In my experience, sometimes the balloon doesn't completely deflate on its own and then I end up gently pulling out the last 2-3cc's or so.

[Virgo_RN, BSN, RN]

10mL is standard, I believe.

[Elektra6, ASN, BSN, RN]

I always used 10cc but now I have a patient who has orders for a 5cc inflate (from a urologist). Hasn't fallen out, yet.

[EarthChild1130]

I always used 10ccs too, when I worked the unit...and I would definitely print that out and take it to her...I would worry less about her retaliation and more about passing on correct information to a fellow nurse. Best of luck in school!