Emptying a Foley Catheter Bag: Components & Procedure

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to Foley catheter bag components, infection-control considerations, and proper emptying procedure.

Catheter

A flexible tube inserted into the bladder to drain urine into a collection bag.

Catheter Bag

The disposable pouch that collects urine drained through the catheter.

Clamp

A small device that pinches the tubing to stop or allow urine flow.

Straw (Drainage Tubing)

The length of tubing used to empty urine from the bag; historically the only way to drain the bag.

Spigot

The tip of the drainage tubing that is inserted into the bag’s port or held over a graduate when emptying.

Snap-Buckle Clamp

A later design featuring small arms that ‘snap’ onto the port, offering an easier grip but not stopping flow.

Push-Release Clamp

A style of clamp that slides open when pressure is applied to its sides, allowing the straw to slide out.

Rubber Plug

An older sealing method in which a rubber piece was forced into the bag opening to prevent leakage.

Infection Control

Practices that prevent contamination, such as keeping the spigot off the floor and out of the graduate container.

Cross-Contamination

Transfer of pathogens from a contaminated surface (e.g., the graduate or floor) back to the sterile drainage system.

Paper Towel Technique

Using one towel to wipe the spigot and another as a clean surface to rest the tubing during emptying.

Barrier

The invisible line that the spigot must not cross into the graduate container to maintain sterility.

Bed Elevation

Raising or lowering the bed; removing the bag from the bed eliminates the need to adjust height for draining.

Eye-Level Measurement

Placing the graduate on a flat surface at eye level to read urine volume accurately before disposal.

1,000-mL Capacity

Typical size of a drainage bag; larger volumes may require setting the graduate on the floor to avoid spills.

Old-Style Catheter Bag

Early red bags that hung by a single tube and clamp, lacking today’s integrated drainage port.