Published
Had an oldtimer enroute o Ala. for him and wifes first vacation. (both in their late 60's) Stopped in small ER for urine retention>TUR>5days post-op prep for discharge.
I says, "I'll be right back to take your catheter out."
Returned to room with him holding bloody balloon, wide eyed and bleeding>10 more days inpatient.
Never did make Fla.
Sigh
We are in a rural and somewhat undereduacated area.
Had this problem ALOT!
Finally, we got tired of readmitts, for ripped foleys, NG's and the like.
We now have little tags that go on the lines, in CLEAR VIEW,
They are white, and go on in a wrap around sticky.
They state. "TUBE REQUIRES STAFF REMOVAL. CALL FOR HELP"
They are white, with red writing.
Only one pulled foley. No other pulled lines...
Two years in use.
David Bass,
ACNP, FNP
kimmicoobug
586 Posts
Yesterday, I heard this funny story from one of the nurses regarding what a patient had said to her. So, I have to share.
This patient has a foley cath in. He had it in for about two days and was requesting it be changed. He said that his doctor doesn't want the catheters in for long amounts of time because he has frequent urinary tract infections. (straight cathed at home.) The nurse felt the patient needed teaching regarding infection control and cathing. So, while she is explaining to the patient and the caregiver, the caregiver asks, "so would spitting on the catheter tip for lubrication cause infection?"
Welp, now we know what could be the cause of those darned infections!