After inserting an indwelling Foley catheter in a patient, you’ll want to secure the catheter tubing to help prevent unnecessary movement or tension.
One popular device used to do this is the StatLock stabilization device. This device is often included in popular Foley catheter kits, such as Bard’s SureStep Foley Tray System, and they make stabilization devices that can accommodate two-way or three-way catheter lines.
In this article and video, you’ll learn quick tips on how to apply and remove the StatLock stabilization device for your patients with a Foley catheter.
StatLock Stabilization Device: Foley Catheter Demonstration
How to Apply the StatLock Stabilization Device
Before performing any nursing skill, always verify and follow your facility’s protocols. In addition, read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for equipment, as these may change over time.
Next, you always want to perform the necessary protocol checks (the right patient, procedure, patient consent, etc.), gather supplies, perform hand hygiene, and don gloves.
1. Position the Foley catheter tubing so that the bifurcation of the tubing fits into the plastic clip on the stabilization device. The balloon inflation port should be closest to the hinge of the plastic retainer clip. The arrow on the top of the retainer clip should be oriented to point toward the direction of the catheter’s tip (insertion point). Once the bifurcation of the catheter is properly in the device, press the three lines on the device to close the device shut.
2. Once the device is closed, set the device and catheter aside in a safe place.
3. Locate an area on the patient to apply the stabilization device, per your facility’s protocols. For female patients, this is generally on the inner part of the upper thigh or the anterior (front) portion of the upper thigh. For male patients, this is often on the anterior aspect of the upper thigh or on the lower abdomen with the patient’s genitals pointing toward the stomach. Once you find a placement location, lay the StatLock device on top of that area (without removing the adhesive backing), and then move it back around 1 inch to create slack in the tubing. This will allow you to see the area on the skin you will need to clean.
4. Place the StatLock device aside, open the alcohol pads, and thoroughly clean the area on the patient. You generally do not need to shave the patient’s hair unless there is excessive hair or if you facility recommends to do so. Clean along the entire area where the stabilization device will be placed. Allow this to dry completely.
5. Open the skin protectant wipes and apply all of them on the skin, being sure to wipe in the direction of the patient’s hair growth if hair is present. Allow this to dry.
6. Write the date and your initials on the StatLock stabilization device. This enables other healthcare workers to know when the device was placed, as most protocols will require replacement at a specified interval (often 7 days or per your facility’s recommendation).
7. Apply the StatLock stabilization device onto the skin in the area that was previously cleaned by peeling off one side of the backing and gently laying the stabilization device on the skin, then peel off the other side of the backing and allow the pad to gently adhere to the skin. Do not apply tension to the skin as you apply the device.
8. Then discard any waste, doff your gloves, perform hand hygiene, and document.
StatLock Removal for Foley Catheter
To remove the StatLock stabilization device, you will need several alcohol prep pads. Gather your supplies, perform hand hygiene, don gloves (if preferred), and inform patient of what you’ll be doing.
1. Begin by opening the retainer clip on the StatLock device by pressing the ends together. Remove the Foley catheter tubing and gently set it aside in a safe location.
2. Open the alcohol prep pads and begin to rub along one of the corners of the StatLock device’s adhesive pad. The alcohol helps to dissolve the adhesive, so the corner should begin to peel up after a few strokes. It may take several alcohol pads (3-6) to completely remove the StatLock.
3. Once the corner begins to peel up, gently work the alcohol pads under the corner to help dissolve the adhesive as you continue to slowly peel it back. Do not rip off the pad, as this could be painful and cause damage to the patient’s skin. Instead, continue working with new alcohol prep pads as needed to dissolve the adhesive while gently peeling the device off.
4. Once the StatLock device has been removed, discard it, doff gloves, perform hand hygiene, and document.
References:
1.Statlock Information Guide. Bardmedical.com. Accessed August 1, 2023. Information Guide. http://media.bardmedical.com/media/1680/statlock-information-guide.pdf