Final answer:
A three-way Foley catheter is primarily used to irrigate and facilitate hemostasis after a TURP, not for restricting patient mobility, record-keeping, or keeping the perineal area dry. It helps clear blood clots and promote healing at the surgical site.
Step-by-step explanation:
A three-way Foley catheter is inserted following a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) primarily to irrigate and facilitate hemostasis. The three-way system allows for continuous irrigation to clear blood clots and ensure that the bladder and surgical site remain clear. This is critical in preventing obstruction and promoting healing. The purpose of the catheter is not to prevent the patient from getting out of bed, nor is it primarily used for keeping accurate input and output records or for keeping the perineal area dry, although it does serve to maintain a record of output and helps keep the area clean.
The information provided about pressures monitored during surgery or in intensive care refers to the use of catheters for transmitting pressures to external measuring devices; however, this is not the function of a three-way Foley catheter in the context of a TURP.
Venous catheters are indeed common interventions but also can be sites of bloodstream infections. It is essential to maintain strict aseptic techniques during catheter insertion and maintenance to prevent such infections, which underscores the importance of understanding the correct usage and management of catheters like the three-way Foley catheter.