Do I tape foley to leg?

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Am I just getting old or what? When I started nursing we always taped foleys to patient's leg, or used a velcro device to keep from being pulled out. I never see it done anymore. Anyone know why? I'd appreciate any feedback because my director wants us to start at our hospital and I told her I hadn't seen it done in a long time. Thanks for your help...

I observed foleys either taped to the leg or secured using the elastic and velcro straps depending on what facility I was in. I have a question along these same line though. While studying for the nclex I saw a question asking how to secure a foley in a male. The correct answer was to tape it to the abdomen to prevent pressure puling down on the member. I have never saw this done and was wondering if anyone else had.

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

We never use tape, we always use the velcro and have never had much of a problem with it.

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We started using statlock for UTI prevention not too long ago and things seem to be going well with them staying on.

Now, our confused LOLs still manage to get a hold of them and yank them out, balloon inflated, but ya can't blame the statlock for that!:lol2:

I'd not heard of securing a male pts foley to the abd though. Usually I ensure that there is enough slack between the member and statlock/tape/velcro tape holder thingies.

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we use things called flexi-tracks here. they have an adhesive foamy bit that you stick to the leg, and then two sticky 'wings' on top, so you take the backings off, put the tubing between, and then press the wings together and they stick.

they seem to work pretty well on most people, and because the tubing's not actually against the leg, it causes less discomfort and is more durable against little knocks and tugs (a bug tug still tears it off though!).

when replacing them, i usually try to rotate which leg i use, so that they don't get sore.

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I personally use tape. I place the tape on the skin, completely encircle the tubing with the tape then place the other end on the skin, so the tubing itself isn't actually taped directly against the leg. It seems to make it more secure. I also use the elastic/velcro straps when available. I too always leave slack to allow for movement without pulling, extra slack for men to allow for ummm... nature.

I've not heard of securing to the abd with men, so I've never done that. I guess I can understand the rationale though.

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The use of skin prep (like what is used with a colostomy) used before applying any kind of adhesive to the skin helps with removal. It tends to "toughen" up the skin.

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Specializes in surgical, neuro, education.

Worked on a urosurgical floor for over 10 years and we always taped to leg. It is best to prep site first and do a chevron loop (place tape face up under cath and cross before taping to leg--like an IV securing) I have seen too many pts. roll over and pull on tubing and with our prostatectomy pts. the cath COULD NOT come out or pt would have to return to OR to have replaced. If your facility has cath securing devices use them.

Also I taught for 10 years now and the books say to tape to abdomen for males--have never done this--but do remind students that this will be correct ans. to board question. This may be more 'comfortable to a bed ridden patient that does not move--but causes more pressure on site when OOB and ambulating.

TURP's usually have taped pulled super tight to decrease bleeding at site of prostate removal--but pulling tape tighter increases bladder spasms not decreases them.

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any posts on 3-11 shift

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From what I've been told, taping decreases friction on the bladder and urethra, which can lead to irritation and UTI's. Makes sense. I've used silk tape in the chevron pattern (works well unless the patient's diaphoretic) and the statlock devices (their cloth-backed ones are MUCH better than the foam-backed). Patients seem to have less bladder spasms/urethral irritation when the cath is secured. I do secure to the thigh with males, but leave plenty of slack to allow for changes in position.

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We are actually doing an evidence-based study regarding this at our hospital to reduce nosocomial UTIs and YES, you are to secure the Foley to the leg...............

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we also use the velcro leg bands

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we use the leg strap for females, and tape it on the abd. for males.

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