What is the primary function of a foley catheter?

The primary function of a Foley catheter is to drain urine from the bladder. This type of catheter is an indwelling urinary catheter, which means it is inserted into the bladder through the urethra and remains in place to facilitate continuous drainage of urine. It is particularly useful in situations where a patient is unable to void their bladder naturally due to various reasons such as surgery, urinary retention, or certain medical conditions.

While monitoring blood pressure, administering medication, and providing nutrition are important medical functions, they are not related to the use of a Foley catheter. Blood pressure monitoring typically involves the use of sphygmomanometers or electronic devices, medication administration can occur via different routes such as intravenous or oral, and nutrition is provided through feeding tubes or dietary means. Therefore, the role of the Foley catheter is specifically focused on urinary drainage.