The Tube That Drains Your Child’s Bladder

The tube that drains your child’s bladder is a Foley urinary catheter. It is made to stay in place for a longer time. It is only used when needed and should be removed as soon as approved.

A Foley catheter is a small tube that is placed in the bladder to constantly drain urine. The tube connects to a bag that collects the urine. This tube helps us care for your child, but it can increase the risk of infection. Germs can travel along the tubing and within a short time, begin to spread. These germs can lead to an infection. If your child gets a urinary tract infection because of having a catheter, it is called a catheter associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI).

Our goal is to prevent these infections. As a key member of the healthcare team, we would like you to work with us to prevent CAUTI.

Here is how you can help:

• Ask your child’s provider each day if the catheter is still needed.

• Wash or sanitize your hands. Make sure healthcare providers have cleaned their hands before touching your child’s catheter.

• Visitors should not touch the catheter.

• Make sure your child’s hands stay clean and do not touch the catheter.

• Keep the urine drainage bag below your child’s belly button and off the floor.

• Do not pull or tug the catheter. Check it for kinks. The tubing should stay attached to the leg or belly.

• Keep the catheter clean when changing the diaper. If it gets stool on it, wipe it off. Wipe away from the body. Tell your nurse right away.

• Make sure your child is getting enough fluids.

• Do not disconnect the catheter from the drainage tube. Let your child’s nurse know right away if it disconnects.
  

Thank you for helping us keep your child safe.