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Discussion

foley irrigation

One of my patients get a foley irrigation three times weekly. Lately, I've been meeting a lot of resistance when I flush the catheter. It's taking me a lot longer and I'm not sure why there's so much resistance. The catheter is in place, intact, and draining urine. Any suggestions why the resistance is happening and how to irrigate smoothly?

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    How long has the F/C been in place? Ive had this happen to me, I had to change it. Once the new one was in, it irrigated fine. Sometimes the tip can get a "glob" of sediment on it and it kinda becomes like a "one way valve" and will only allow fluid to travel in one direction. Kinda like when a PICC will infuse fluids but wont allow blood draws....same principle. Try changing it and see if that helps.

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    I was also going to say that when this happens, changing the foley has always helped.

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    It has been changed quite frequently over the last month, although there's an order for routine monthly catheter changes, and PRN. I've been having this issue for awhile and it was changed about 1.5 weeks ago. Trying to avoid too many cath changes, to avoid the risk for frequent infection. It could be that the HHA's are not giving the patient enough fluids throughoout the day, a common problem in homecare.

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    • Author
    How long has the F/C been in place? Ive had this happen to me, I had to change it. Once the new one was in, it irrigated fine. Sometimes the tip can get a "glob" of sediment on it and it kinda becomes like a "one way valve" and will only allow fluid to travel in one direction. Kinda like when a PICC will infuse fluids but wont allow blood draws....same principle. Try changing it and see if that helps.

    It has been changed quite frequently over the last month, although there's an order for routine monthly catheter changes, and PRN. I've been having this issue for awhile and it was changed about 1.5 weeks ago. Trying to avoid too many cath changes, to avoid the risk for frequent infection. It could be that the HHA's are not giving the patient enough fluids throughoout the day, a common problem in homecare.

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    Are they taking anything for bladder spasms? Possibly taking some Ditropan, Detrol, etc may help with the issue if they are not on anything for it. Maybe a visit to urologist if doesn't improve

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    Maybe you need an order to irrigate more frequently and teach the family how to do it.

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    Have you considered irrigating with 0.2% acetic acid solution? This really helps diminish the sediment issues.

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