Having a foley catheter increases the risk of which condition?

A Foley catheter, which is a thin, sterile tube inserted into the bladder to drain urine, can significantly increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). The reason for this heightened risk is that the catheter creates a pathway for bacteria to enter the bladder, which is normally a sterile environment. As the catheter remains in place, it can harbor bacteria, leading to infection.

In the case of UTIs, the risk is exacerbated by factors such as prolonged catheterization, improper cleaning techniques, or even the catheter’s materials. These factors can disrupt the natural barriers and defenses of the urinary tract. Understanding this risk is critical for healthcare providers to implement appropriate catheter care and to monitor patients for signs of infection.

While the other options, such as blood clots, skin infections, and pressure ulcers are concerns in patients with catheters or those who are immobile, they are not specifically linked to the presence of a Foley catheter in the same direct way that UTIs are.