Definition
Assisting a patient with a urine can is a fundamental nursing skill that promotes dignity, comfort, and independence—especially for bedridden or mobility-impaired individuals.
Articles
- Disposable gloves
- Waterproof pad (to protect bedding)
- Toilet tissue or wipes
- Hand hygiene supplies
- Measuring container (if output monitoring is required)
Pre-Procedure Assessment
| What to Assess | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Patient’s mobility and cognition | Determines if they can use the urinal independently or need full assistance |
| Urinary habits and urgency cues | Helps anticipate needs and prevent incontinence |
| Skin integrity and perineal hygiene | Frequent urinal use may cause irritation or breakdown |
| Cultural or personal preferences | Some patients may prefer same-gender caregivers or family assistance |
Procedure
| Nursing actions | Rationale | |
| 1. | Before procedure Assess patient’s normal urinary elimination habits. | Identifies normal pattern of urination. |
| 2. | Palpate for distended bladder. | Identifies if bladder is full and patient needs to void. |
| 3. | Assess patient’s knowledge regarding urinal use. | Reveals need for patient instruction. |
| 4. | During procedure Wash hands and don gloves. | Reduces transmission of microorganisms. |
| 5. | Provide privacy by closing door or bedside curtain. | Promotes relaxation. |
| 6. | Assist patient into appropriate position. | Men find it easier to void and empty bladder while standing. |
| 7. | Patent should hold urinal and position penis/vagina in urine can. If patient can stand by himself/herself leave patient till he has completed voiding. If a patient needs assistance, hold urine can in place or assist patient to hold urine can. If patient prefers a family member to help him, allow it. | Placing penis/vagina completely within urine can avoids spillage of urine on bed linen. |
| 8. | Once patient has finished voiding, remove urinal. | |
| 9. | Collect urine in specimen container if require and empty the urinal into toilet and flush it down. | |
| 10. | Cleanse urinal and return it to patient for further use. | |
| 11. | Allow patient to wash hands after voiding/handling urine can. | |
| 12. | After procedure Remove gloves and wash hands. | Reduces spread of microorganisms. |
| 13. | Record and report patient’s ability to use urinal, output and characteristics of urine. Record amount of urine passed if that information is important. | Communicates patient information to all healthcare personnel. |
Patient-Centered Strategies
- Offer the urine can at regular intervals, especially after meals or before sleep.
- Encourage fluid intake unless contraindicated to promote healthy elimination.
- Use positive reinforcement to maintain dignity and cooperation.
- Involve the patient in care decisions: “Would you like to try using the urinal now or in 15 minutes?
Documentation Tips
- Record time, volume, and characteristics of urine (color, clarity, odor).
- Note patient’s ability to use the urinal (independent, assisted, refused).
- Report any abnormal findings: hematuria, sediment, or signs of infection.
- Document skin condition if prolonged use or incontinence is noted.
Special considerations
- Offer the urinal frequently to incontinent or confused patients.
- Monitor for skin irritation or pressure areas from prolonged use.
- Encourage fluid intake unless contraindicated.
- Respect the patient’s modesty and preferences—some may prefer a family member’s help.
- For female urinals, ensure the wide end is snug against the perineum and angled downward.
- Use a washcloth around the rim for comfort and to prevent skin pinching.
- If the patient is confused or weak, stay nearby to prevent spills or falls.
REFERENCES
- Annamma Jacob, Rekha, Jhadav Sonali Tarachand: Clinical Nursing Procedures: The Art of Nursing Practice, 5th Edition, March 2023, Jaypee Publishers, ISBN-13: 978-9356961845 ISBN-10: 9356961840
- Omayalachi CON, Manual of Nursing Procedures and Practice, Vol 1, 3 Edition 2023, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN: 978-9393553294
- Sandra Nettina, Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice, 11th Edition, January 2019, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN-13:978-9388313285
- Adrianne Dill Linton, Medical-Surgical Nursing, 8th Edition, 2023, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323826716
- Donna Ignatavicius, Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Clinical Judgment and Collaborative Care, 11th Edition ,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323878265
- Lewis’s Medical-Surgical Nursing, 12th Edition,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323789615
- AACN Essentials of Critical Care Nursing, 5th Ed. Sarah. Delgado, 2023, Published by American Association of Critical-Care Nurses ISBN: 978-1264269884
- Ernstmeyer K, Christman E, editors. Nursing Fundamentals [Internet]. 2nd edition. Eau Claire (WI): Chippewa Valley Technical College; 2024. PART IV, NURSING PROCESS. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK610818/
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