Definition
Applying a condom catheter also known as a male external catheter is a non-invasive method for managing urinary incontinence in men. It fits over the penis like a condom and connects to a urine drainage bag, offering comfort and reduced infection risk compared to indwelling catheters.
Purposes
- To drain urine in case of an incontinent patient.
- To permit patient’s normal physical activity without fear of embarrassment caused by incontinence.
Indication
Incontinent men who still have complete and spontaneous bladder emptying.
Articles
- Rubber condom sheath (proper size).
- Strip of elastic tape and skin preparation (e.g., tincture of benzoin).
- Urinary collection bag with drainage tubing.
- Basin with warm water and soap.
- Towel and wash cloths.
- Disposable gloves.
- Razor (optional).
Procedure
| Nursing Actions | Rationale | |
| 1. | Before procedure Explain procedure to patient and assess status of patient. | Reduces anxiety and promotes cooperation. |
| 2. | During procedure Wash hands. | Reduces transmission of infection. |
| 3. | Provide privacy by closing door or bedside curtain. | Maintains patient’s self-esteem. |
| 4. | Assist patient to supine position. Place bath blanket over upper torso. Fold sheets so that lower extremities are covered. Only genitalia should be exposed. | Promotes patient comfort and prevents unnecessary exposure of body parts. |
| 5. | Assess condition of the penis for skin irritation, excoriation, swelling, or discoloration. | Provides baseline to compare changes in condition of skin after condom application. The patient may require an indwelling catheter if there is significant amount of skin breakdown. |
| 6. | Use disposable gloves. Provide perineal care and dry thoroughly. Clip hair at the base of penis if required. | Removes irritating secretions. Rubber sheath rolls onto dry skin more easily. Hair adheres to condom and pulls during adhesive tape removal causing discomfort. |
| 7. | Prepare urinary collection bag and tubing or prepare leg bag for connection to condom if necessary. Clamp off drainage exit ports. Secure collection bag to bed frame or patient’s legs. Bring drainage tubing up through side rails on to bed. | Provides easy access to drainage equipment after condom in place. |
| 8. | Apply skin preparation to the root of penis where condom sheath will be taped and allow it to dry for 30-60 seconds. | |
| 9. | With nondominant hand, grasp penis along the shaft and with dominant hand roll condom sheath onto penis. | |
| 10. | Allow 2.5-5 cm(1-2inches) of space between the tip of glans penis and end of condom catheter. This space prevents irritation of the tip of the penis. | Allows free passage of urine into collecting tubing when patient passes urine. |
| 11. | Encircle penile shaft with a strip of elastic adhesive. Strip should touch only condom sheath. The strip should be applied 1 inch from the proximal end of penis and should not completely encircle or tighten the penis. | Condom must be secured so that it fits snugly and will stay on but not too tight to cause vasoconstriction. |
| 12. | Connect drainage tubing to the end of condom catheter. Make sure that the condom is not twisted. | Allows urine to be collected and measured. Keeps the patient dry. Twisted condom obstructs urine flow. |
| 13. | Coil the excess tubing on bed and secure to bottom sheet. | Prevents looping of tubing and promotes free drainage of urine. |
| 14. | Place the patient in safe and comfortable position (lying down/sitting). | Promotes patient’s comfort. |
| 15. | After procedure Remove gloves. Dispose off contaminated supplies and wash hands. | Prevents the spread of infection. |
| 16. | Return in 30-60 minutes to observe for urinary drainage. | Determines whether normal voiding is occurring. |
| 17. | Regularly inspect skin on penile shaft for signs of breakdown/irritation. | Indicates whether condom or urine is causing irritation of whether adhesive is too restrictive. |
| 18. | Record and report, time of condom application, condition of skin and voiding pattern. | Provides data to determine change in elimination status. |
Special Considerations
- Remove the condom once a day to clean the area and assess the skin for signs of impaired skin integrity. This will promote hygiene and reduce the possibility of skin breakdown.
- Do not reattach the condom catheter if it falls off. It will not stick any better in second try. Apply a new catheter and strip.
- Clients may have latex allergy and may require latex-free condoms.
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 Kluwers, 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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