What should be monitored in a patient with a foley catheter for signs of infection?

Monitoring a patient's temperature and urinary output is essential in detecting signs of infection in individuals with a Foley catheter. An elevated temperature can indicate the presence of an infection, as fevers are a common response of the body when fighting off pathogens.

Urinary output is also critically important because alterations in this can serve as indicators of urinary tract infections (UTIs) or other complications. For instance, decreased output or changes in the character of urine (such as cloudiness or foul smell) may suggest the development of an infection.

Together, these indicators allow healthcare providers to promptly identify and address potential infections, which can be common in patients with indwelling catheters due to factors like bacteria entering through the catheter pathway.