Got in trouble inserted 16f instead of 18 f

[Kadidi]

my Pt had a 18 f foley that was clogged changed it with a 16 f that I had forgot to notify dr, got reported to the state for using the wrong size I know I was wrong not to notify dr but I was thinking about Pt and forget to come back and change and so it clogged too. Any advise as to what I should do

[DolceVita, ADN, BSN, RN]

Not to be a thread party pooper but I would discourage posting/sharing details that would lead you to be identified if this have been reported to the BON (if that is what you mean by "State").

[bradons]

Your docs order the size?

Half the time here they just say put a foley in and walk away. They could care less about sizes.

[CalArmy]

This just sounds off. We put in whatever size we think is best. Our order just says put in foley. We always bring two sizes to the bedside just in case.

[amoLucia]

Am thinking that perhaps there might NOT have been any #18s on the unit to use. This would esp happen on 11-7 when nobody could get to a supply room (or NONE in the supply room).

But something's missing here.

To bradons - rule of thumb is to use the smallest size. But it is an issue if the order doesn't match the size in place. Freq you use what you got until you can get the correct cath size. This freq happens esp when staff must use foleys for GT replacements.

Then you get the correct size ASAP and replace it.

[RobbiRN, RN]

Size is never part of the order in the ER. The order simply reads: "Insert Catheter, ED". Size is a nursing judgement call. I agree that it seems there is more to the story if this was reported to the "State," but maybe not-- Sadly, any health care provider can be reported anonymously to the Department of Health in Florida, and the report will be investigated. It is possible for someone to anonymously attack you and still put you in a position where to need to defend yourself no matter how baseless the allegation. Ironically, if you want to report a lawyer to the Bar, they can request your name and you are required to provide it. The entire medical profession is preset to a legal disadvantage, and because we are healers who don't want to fight, we let it pass.

But please, at the end of the day, I sincerely hope our governing bodies have much bigger fish to fry than the size of a Foley.