Rationales for foley insertion

[sn2rn04]

I'm not sure if this problem is unique to my floor or not, but the second certain aides discover a pt has become incontinent they demand that nurses insert a foley and become hostile if you do not get an order to do so.

I seem to recall that incontinence is not a reason to catheterize a pt. Anyone else heard this or have an opinion???

[Sadie04]

If the pt already has skin breakdown it may be a good reason, but foley catheters increase the risk of UTI.

[Robb1978]

It seems to me as thought the Aides don't want to be bothered with going in and checking the pt on their 2 hour rotation (at least that is the rotation I have always known) I personally would have to set them straight if they began to get hostile or mouthy simply because you would not get an order for a foley and let them know just who it is that went to school and who knows when a foley cath is appropriate . :-)

[lovingtheunloved, ASN, RN]

What the ????? I'm a CNA, and I'd rather change the incontinent person than have a foley inserted. Because that's what is best for the patient. Perhaps a reminder that doing what is best for the patient is priority and not what will get us to our lunch break on time is in order.

[meownsmile, BSN, RN]

I would be real careful of what is actually going on when they do their 2hr turns. My guess is they wouldnt be quite as quick to insist on a foley if they were actually DOING the turns every 2 hrs. If you have to turn the patient anyway, whats 2 more minutes with a clean incontinent pad. You might check your catheterized patients, dont go by their documentation, keep your own. See what their position is, note it and go back in 2 hrs and see if they are repositioned. I bet they arent.

[lovingtheunloved, ASN, RN]

I would be real careful of what is actually going on when they do their 2hr turns. My guess is they wouldnt be quite as quick to insist on a foley if they were actually DOING the turns every 2 hrs. If you have to turn the patient anyway, whats 2 more minutes with a clean incontinent pad. You might check your catheterized patients, dont go by their documentation, keep your own. See what their position is, note it and go back in 2 hrs and see if they are repositioned. I bet they arent.

If we're talking hospital setting, I just have to say, Q2h turning? Ha! I work in LTC, and my first question about a new admission from the hospital is how many decubs are we looking at?