Foley Catheter Pull-Back

Nursing Students Student Assist

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Hello,

I was reading through some procedures about Foley catheter insertion and it tells me that for male patients I should insert it all the way up to the bifurcation to make sure that it is in the bladder. The next steps are inflating the balloon and then securing the catheter. It seems like this is missing the step where I should gently pull the inflated catheter back until I feel a little resistance at the bladder sphincter. Am I correct that this should be performed and the procedures I'm reading are just missing the step? Or is it common practice to leave it inserted all the way to the bifurcation before securing it?

Thanks!

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Specializes in PICU, Sedation/Radiology, PACU.

You're correct. Our policies instruct us to gently pull back on the catheter after inflating the balloon until slight resistance is met.

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Great, thank you!

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Specializes in School Nurse.

I treat peds (well adolescents is probably a better term). I go two inches beyond when urine is first noted. But yes, in a male you have to go "too far" and then pull back after inflating the balloon.

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It's strange to feel the pull-back. It have to be done gently.

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Specializes in Emergency.

Wow, I was never taught to insert the foley all the way to the bifurcation. That seems a bit far and uncomfortable for patients.

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Its not uncomfortable. I had many insertions ,and never felt uncomfortable or pain while the cath pushed in me all the way. I think it's much more problematic if you dont push it far enough.

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Specializes in Emergency.

Can you guys post a link or a picture of your foley insertion step-by-step? We are only taught to go until urine flow and for men, to insert just an inch or two after.

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Push it all the way to the balloon port (Y) if you want to make sure its in the right place.

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Can you guys post a link or a picture of your foley insertion step-by-step? We are only taught to go until urine flow and for men, to insert just an inch or two after.

In my "Lippingcott Nursing Procedures" it states "Advance the catheter to the bifurcation and check for urine flow."

I found it in Lippincott Nursing Procedures in Google Books so you can see it

Lippincott Nursing Procedures - Lippincott - Google Books

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Does anyone have any articles that suggest pulling back after inflation is evidenced-based? I know some textbooks and the Foley instructions state to do so, but I can't find any evidence backing this practice. My coworker and I were discussing this and some fellow nurses stated that this practice is no longer recommended as it can cause trauma.

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Specializes in 6 weeks out of a Life Sentence.

57yr old leading a Normal Life - Fell down the stairs - Hospital - Couldn't Pee - Catheter in - Catheter Out - Couldn't Pee - Catheter (Long-Term AKA Life) in.

I was mentioning some on my Discharge to Brother - Also that I had Sepsis of Bladder - being treated on an Acute Ward - He said you were lucky to get out of there Alive !

Really LUCKY- I want to constantly Pee - The last Catheter Change gave me an Infection ! - I can never Aspire to a loving relationship - please don't mention the "Just 1 sec while I take my Catheter out before we Make Love" or even more Grotesque "Bend the Tubing to fit under a Condom" ggrrrrrrr

Every 12 weeks - Dignity out of the Window - potluck on "OK for Cynthia to take part She's Training" (Doubles Risk of Infection but WOW!" - Was the Catheter put in Far enough ? - Too Far (Does she know to move away from Sphincter ? etc ........

What have I to look forward to ?? - Stop your throw away Comments - These are PEOPLE not PATIENTS.

Ended up in the "Geriatric Ward" only COVID Bed to be had - there was an old Gent who must still be having Flashbacks to WW2 - used to say "they said there would be enough but No No No Not Enough" he was for once content saying how nice the Food was - When a Young Qualified Nurse said "but was there enough" upsetting him again (Clearly seen by Staff Nurse) Laughing away saying "Who needs a TV when you have him".

Last Paragraph is how the "National Health Service" has Fallen - Used to be a Vocation not now ! - let's hope that Young Lady isn't alone in later Life (Confused & Vulnerable) !

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