foley collection tubing placement

indeed · Jul 10, 2002

Depends on the patient...some of the more "agitated" *ahem* ones benefit from having it placed under. Out of sight, out of mind and all that. The ones that I don't worry about pulling, over because, well, because it's more convenient that way, easier to move around. The collection tubing on most of them is so stiff that you really have to be trying to staunch the flow, and MOST legs aren't that big. What I find weird is that they are pushing where to place the tube in the first place. A policy on logistics, sweet mother of monkey.

Indeed.

Janice8551 · Aug 3, 2002

Hi all!

You could turn or prop the person up on their side a little and that way you could put it either coming out in front of them or coming out behind them. That way they won't be lying on it either way!

ceecel.dee, MSN, RN · Aug 7, 2002

If the tube is directed up over the leg, it won't act like a wrinkle in the sheet causing marks or pressure or soreness.....if it is up over the leg, it stays further from possible feces contamination....if it is up and over there is less likelihood of kinking of catheter's softer tubing with patient wiggling.....

Up and over is our policy too.

CATHYW · Aug 7, 2002

I was always told that the tubing went over the leg. In addition to the tube not draining as well (being placed under the leg) there is always the possibility of a pressure sore.

hospicemom · Aug 11, 2004

I do over the leg with the strap off to the side of the leg a bit to allow for proper draining....I find if it is under the leg it can occlude the drainage.

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Aug 11, 2004

Tube goes under the leg during surgery, with an ABD pad betweent he tube and the leg to prevent pressure to the skin.

Tube is typically OVER the leg any other time (facilitates better drainage, and prevents BM from getting on it), unless the pt. is confused and wants to yank on it.

medsurgrn · Aug 31, 2004

Well I learned to put the tube under the leg. If the tube is over the leg a backflow of urine is created.

Looking for help.... :confused:
For many, and I mean MANY years, I have always placed the foley collection tube under the patient's leg: as I was taught by Medical/Surgical Physicians.
Where I work now I am being told foley collection tube goes over the patient's leg because by placing it under, the leg prevent the tube from draining.
Does anyone have specific information I can use to either correct my practice or convince the staff that their reasoning and practice needs to change:(
Thanks

nursenatalie, ADN, RN · Aug 31, 2004

Well I learned to put the tube under the leg. If the tube is over the leg a backflow of urine is created.

Unless that is a big fat leg over the leg is fairly level with the bladder and not enough of a hill that the urine wont creep up and out, works fine. Can't imagine it would cause significant retention.

Pediatric Critical Care Columnist · Sep 1, 2004

Personally, I like to run it along the bed between the patient's legs, hanging the bag at the foot of the bed. Drains a heck of a lot better and requires less fussing with it. Of course, I come back next shift and it's somewhere else...

barefootlady, ADN, RN · Sep 4, 2004

I'm with Jan. Between the legs really works best, but if not then over the leg is what is policy here. We only put it under the leg for OR or when patient is VERY confused and in danger of pulling it out and we can get no restraint orders from family or doctor.