UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS FOR MEDICAL SCIENCES

MEDICAL CENTER

PROCEDURE

PROCEDURE:

110

EFFECTIVE:

8/76

REVISION:

5/05

APPROVAL:

10/07

PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION AND MAINTENANCE OF AN EXTERNAL CATHETER (MALE)

PURPOSE: To outline procedure for proper application and maintenance of external urinary catheter (male) in order to prevent skin excoriation and vascular compromise or necrosis

EQUIPMENT:

  1. External catheter
  2. Drainage system
  3. Wash basin and soap
  4. Towel and washcloth
  5. Scissors
  6. Skin sealant/protectant wipes
  7. Non-sterile gloves

NURSING ACTION:

PROCEDURE STEPS:

  1. Application:
  1. Wash hands and don non-sterile gloves.
  2. Identify correct patient and explain procedure to patient.
  3. Provide privacy - wash and dry genital area.

KEYPOINT: If uncircumcised, retract foreskin, cleanse and dry, and replace foreskin to natural position.

  1. Trim hair back from shaft of penis so that no hair will get into the adhesive or tape.
  2. Obtain appropriately sized condom by measuring shaft circumference.  (Small-Pediatric/Geriatric - 24mm, Medium - 29mm, Large - 36mm)
  3. Remove catheter from packaging, unroll it one "notch" to loosen the adhesive as it sticks to itself.  Then re-roll and apply.
  4. Hold rolled catheter sheath and place inner flap against glans so tip- NOT ENTIRE GLANS - protrudes 1/4" into opening.
  5. Slowly unroll the adhesive coated sheath along the penis.  Squeeze the sheath all around the penis to seal the adhesive to the skin.  **Once applied, do not attempt to reposition the catheter.  Pinch wrinkles to seal any openings.

KEYPOINT:  If there are a lot of wrinkles or channels present, consider using next smaller size catheter.

  1. Attach collection bag to external catheter.
  1. Maintenance.
  1. Assess for skin breakdown or allergic reaction with daily cleansing.  Be sure the tip of penis is positioned in the cone of the catheter but is not rubbing.

  2. Check for swelling or discoloration of penis every shift.

  3. Check for twisting of catheter and kinking of tubing every shift.

  4. Check for leakage; replace catheter if present.

  5. Replace catheter daily or according to recommendations from specific company.

  6. Check and empty urine collection bag regularly and look for tubing kinks.

REFERENCES:

Daughty, Dorothy. (1991) Urinary and Fecal Incontinence.  St. Louis: CM Mosby Co.  (Accessed December 2004). www.homecaredelivered.com

(2204) Hollister Package Directions for Self-Adhesive Extended Wear Urinary External Catheter

RESOURCE PERSON(S): Kathy Cochran, RN, COCN

 
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