The tube that drains your child’s bladder is called a urinary catheter or Foley. 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.
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.