Programs

Blog

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

Prone Position

Prone position is not used as commonly as other patient positions. This position allows for full extension of the hips and the knees and gives many bony prominences a break from continuous pressure. However, placing patients in prone position does not come without the risks of pressure ulcers.

Feeding the Patient

Not all patients will need help feeding themselves. Some patients will only need assistance opening cartons or cutting their food. To promote independence, always let the patient do as much as he or she can before assisting. It is vitally important that the nurse’s aide verifies that the patient receives the correct meal tray. Patients may have special diets that play a critical role in their health (i.e., pureed diet, gluten-free diet, food allergies, etc.). Feeding the wrong food to the wrong patient could result in serious complications.

Axillary Temperature with Electronic Thermometer

Compared to other temperature measurement methods, the axillary measurement is considered the least reliable. An axillary temperature measurement typically reads 0.5 to 1 degree Fahrenheit lower than an oral temperature reading [1]. For this reason, it is recommended to use this method only when other methods are contraindicated or when taking an axillary temperature is the safest method for the patient.

Performing Ostomy Care

Residents who have had a portion of their intestines removed due to illness or trauma may have a temporary or permanent ostomy, which is an opening in the abdomen that is created for the elimination of urine or feces. The portion of the intestine that is connected to the abdominal wall and is visible is called the stoma. A pouch is placed over the stoma to collect feces.

Partial Bed Bath

Bathing is an important part of a patient’s health routine. A partial bed bath focuses on bathing sensitive areas that cause discomfort if not cleansed frequently, such as the face, hands, axillae, back, and perineum. Though patients receiving a bed bath are typically confined to the bed, some are able to wash themselves and should be encouraged to do so to promote independence.

Find CNA Programs in Your State

Find LPN/LVN Programs in Your State

Find Medical Assisting Programs in Your State

Find RN Programs in Your State

Find MSN Programs in Your State

Find NP Programs in Your State

Find DNP Programs in Your State

Graduate-Level Concentrations