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Applying a Condom Catheter

Written by Amanda R. McDaniel, MS, BSN, RN
Amanda is a BSN/RN with a MS in Physiology and a BA in English. She worked as a medical writer in the pharmaceutical industry for 11 years before pursuing a career in nursing. She now works as a nurse on a NeuroTelemetry unit and continues to write and edit on a freelance basis. Amanda’s LinkedIn

Condom catheters are used for men who are incontinent. These catheters are external and are meant to be used short-term and changed daily.

  1. Gather your supplies:
    • Gloves
    • Washcloth, soap, and basin or disposable bath wipes
    • Towels
    • Absorbent pad
    • Condom catheter of appropriate size
    • Elastic tape or benzoin swabs (if needed)
    • Drainage or leg bag
  2. Ensure resident privacy by closing the door or curtain.
  3. Perform hand hygiene and don gloves.
  4. Arrange your supplies within easy reach. A bedside table covered in a towel is often most convenient.
  5. Raise the bed to a comfortable working height and help the resident to a supine position. The head of the bed can be at the angle most comfortable for the resident. Lower the side rail near you.
  6. Fold back the top linens to provide access to the groin. Offer a blanket to cover the resident’s upper body.
  7. Place the absorbent pad under the resident’s buttocks. If the resident is unable to assist by lifting their buttocks, logroll him.
  8. Perform perineal care with washcloths, soap, and the warm water from the basin or with bath wipes. Pat dry.
  9. Inspect the penis for signs of skin breakdown.
  10. If the manufacturer’s instructions call for it, swab the penis with benzoin or other skin prep solution. Swab from the tip to the base of the penis.
  11. If the resident is uncircumcised, make sure that the foreskin is in its normal position.
  12. Hold the penis in one hand. With the other, roll the condom catheter onto the penis. There should be 1 to 2 inches of space between the penis and the end of the condom.
  13. Secure the catheter in place:
    • If the catheter is self-adhering or a prep solution such as benzoin has been used, press the condom to the penis.
    • If the catheter is secured with elastic tape, attach the tape in a spiral around the penis. The ends of the tape should not touch. Use only the elastic tape that comes with the condom. Never use non-elastic tape.
  14. Ensure that the condom is not twisted.
  15. Attach the condom to the drainage tubing. There should be no dependent loops in the tubing leading to the drainage or leg bag.
  16. Remove the absorbent pad, raise the side rail, and lower the bed back to the lowest position. Arrange bedding so the resident is comfortable.
  17. Discard and clean supplies, remove gloves and perform hand hygiene.
  18. Document the procedure per institution or unit policy. Inform the nurse of any skin irritation per policy.

References

S. A. Sorrentino, & L. N. Remmert. (2012). Urinary elimination. In Mosby’s textbook for nursing assistants (8th ed., pp 421-423). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby.

Elimination. (2014). In A. G. Perry, P. A. Potter, and W. R. Ostendorf (Eds), Clinical nursing skills & techniques (8th ed., pp. 834-835). St. Louis, MO: Mosby Elsevier.

More Resources

Assisting the Resident to Sit on the Side of the Bed

Having the resident sit on the side of the bed is otherwise referred to as dangling. When a resident quickly changes position, especially from lying to sitting or standing, there can be a rapid drop in the resident’s blood pressure. This drop in blood pressure may cause dizziness or lightheadedness.

Measuring Blood Pressure

Many factors can interfere with obtaining an accurate blood pressure. The most common mistakes that lead to inaccurate blood pressures are a result of improper technique, including: not supporting the patient’s arm, using the wrong sized cuff, positioning the cuff too low on the patient’s arm, improper positioning of the cuff’s artery marker, and attempting to measure blood pressure through clothing.

Measuring the Apical Pulse

The apical pulse rate is the most accurate non-invasive measurement of heart rate because it is measured directly over the apex of the heart. Apical pulse is preferred in cases when the radial pulse is difficult to palpate, when the pulse is irregular, greater than 100 beats per minute, or less than 60 beats per minute when measured by other means (electronic, radial, etc.).

Measuring the Respirations

Respiration is a vital sign that is measured frequently in the healthcare setting. Taking this measurement requires no equipment and relatively little time. However, it is a measurement that must be taken accurately, as a change in respiration may indicate the worsening of a patient’s condition.

Supine Position

Supine position is a natural and comfortable position for most people. For this reason, it is a highly utilized position for nursing procedures. Unfortunately, this position puts pressure on many bony prominences that can lead to discomfort and/or pressure ulcers if the pressure is not relieved every so often (typically every two hours or less).

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