Foley catheter
Formal Definition
A flexible indwelling urinary catheter inserted transurethrally into the bladder and held in place by an inflatable balloon; used for urinary drainage in urinary retention, intraoperative monitoring of urine output, management of urinary incontinence in critically ill patients, and immobilized patients; a major risk factor for catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI).
How It's Used on the Ward
"Foley" or "put in a Foley" or "straight cath" — inserting a urinary catheter is one of the most common bedside procedures on the wards.
Example
""Post-op patient unable to void 6 hours after surgery with a palpable bladder: in-and-out catheterization first to drain 800mL and assess. If retention recurs, place an indwelling Foley and urology follow-up for BPH evaluation.""
Clinical Context
Indications (CAUTI prevention bundle): urinary retention, accurate hourly output monitoring in critically ill, comfort care, perineal wound healing. Remove as soon as no longer needed — every day a Foley stays in = higher CAUTI risk. CAUTI is a CMS non-reimbursable hospital-acquired condition. Contraindication: suspected urethral injury (blood at meatus, perineal hematoma, high-riding prostate on rectal exam — get urology). Catheter sizes: 14–16 Fr for most adults; 18–20 Fr for larger patients. Suprapubic catheter (SPC): alternative when urethral access is blocked or long-term drainage needed.