The spelling of "foley catheter" can be explained by using IPA phonetic transcription. The word "foley" is pronounced as /ˈfoʊli/, with stress on the first syllable. The "o" is a long vowel sound, while the "e" is pronounced as a short "i" sound. "Catheter" is pronounced as /ˈkæθətər/, with stress on the second syllable. The "a" is pronounced as a short vowel sound, while the "th" is pronounced as a voiceless dental fricative sound. Proper spelling and pronunciation of medical terms such as "foley catheter" is important for accurate communication and patient care.
A Foley catheter is a flexible tube-like medical device inserted into the bladder through the urethra to drain urine. It is named after Dr. Frederic Foley, an American urologist who invented it in 1937. The Foley catheter consists of a long, thin, hollow tube with multiple drainage holes near the tip and a balloon inflated inside the bladder to hold the catheter in place.
This type of catheter is commonly used in medical settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, or home healthcare environments for patients who are unable to urinate independently or need continuous urinary drainage. The catheter is typically made of silicone or latex material that is soft and gentle on the urethral lining to minimize discomfort.
To insert the Foley catheter, a healthcare professional cleans and numbs the urethral area with a topical anesthetic. Then, they carefully guide the catheter into the urethra until it reaches the bladder. Once in place, the balloon is inflated with sterile water, preventing the catheter from slipping out. The drainage holes allow urine to flow from the bladder into a collection bag attached to the other end of the catheter.
Maintenance of a Foley catheter involves regular cleaning and emptying the collection bag while keeping the catheter and surrounding area hygienic to avoid infection. It is crucial to monitor the amount and color of urine output, as changes may indicate underlying health issues.
In summary, a Foley catheter is a medical device used for urinary drainage by inserting a flexible tube into the bladder through the urethra.
The term "foley catheter" is named after its inventor, Frederic Eugene Basil Foley. Foley was an American urologist who developed the catheter in the 1920s. The word "catheter" comes from the Greek word "kathetēr", meaning "something inserted or let down". This term was then adapted into Latin as "catheter", which has been used in medical terminology since the 14th century.