When should a Foley catheter be used for burn victims?

The use of a Foley catheter in burn victims is primarily indicated when there is a significant total body surface area (TBSA) burn, specifically over 20%. This threshold is critical for several reasons.

In patients with TBSA burns greater than 20%, there is a heightened risk of complications such as hypovolemia, shock, and altered kidney function due to decreased renal perfusion. The implementation of a Foley catheter allows for continuous monitoring of urine output, which is an essential indicator of renal function and overall fluid status in these patients.

Maintaining adequate urine output is a key part of managing burn victims as it helps guide fluid resuscitation efforts. It is particularly important to monitor this output in cases of larger burns because the likelihood of fluid shifts and decreased urine production increases with the burn size. Therefore, a Foley catheter is a valuable tool in assessing and managing the patient's response to treatment.

While burns smaller than 20% can still lead to significant fluid shifts, the use of a Foley catheter is typically not mandated until the TBSA reaches the 20% threshold, ensuring that resources are used efficiently and monitoring is tailored according to the severity of the burn injury.