A three-way Foley catheter is inserted following a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) to achieve what purpose?

The primary purpose of inserting a three-way Foley catheter following a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is to irrigate the bladder and aid in hemostasis. During a TURP procedure, tissue is removed from the prostate, which can lead to bleeding. The three-way Foley catheter enables continuous irrigation of the bladder with sterile saline or water, helping to flush out blood clots, debris, and any residual tissue fragments. This irrigation also minimizes the risk of clot formation within the bladder, thus facilitating hemostasis by keeping the operative site clear and allowing for better visualization during recovery.

Additionally, the catheter allows for monitoring urine output, which can provide critical information regarding the patient’s recovery and fluid balance post-surgery. While the other options may address important aspects of patient care following surgery, they do not directly relate to the specific purpose of the three-way Foley catheter in this scenario, which focuses on managing bleeding and maintaining bladder function after a procedure that involves significant manipulation of the prostate tissue.