difference in-dwelling and foley catheter

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a bit confusing -_-

[JROregon, ASN, BSN, RN]

A Foley is a type of indwelling catheter, probably the one you'll become most familiar with. A straight catheter is something that is used for a one time situation where the patient is unable to relax the muscle that allows them to pee. Indwelling is anything that remains in the bladder for an extended period of time.

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thank you JRoregon. :)

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

Foley is a brand name for catheters. It's widely used as the general term for any in-dwelling catheter. However, since it's a Brand name, NCLEX will not use it on the test and instructors will try to avoid the term in school in favor of the generic "In-dwelling catheter."

In-dwelling catheters have an inflatable balloon at the end that allows the catheter to stay in place in the bladder. Straight catheters (which are often firmer) do not have this balloon and are held in place until the urine is drained and then removed.

FYI, if you need to do a straight cath, you can use an indwelling and just remove it when you're done. You can also use an NG tube of appropriate size, although they will never tell you that in school.

[AgentBeast, MSN, RN]

Foley is to in-dwelling catheter as Kleenex is to facial tissue as Band-aid is to adhesive bandage.

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thanks for all the answers! cheers.