foley catheter question

Altra, BSN, RN · Jul 19, 2006

i am a new member of the forum and have a question about foley catherizations. have never done one or witnessed any, but am curious about the typical reaction of a male patient to being catherized? it looks like it would hurt so much, and being a brand new student, i am concerned about causing pain to my patient. i have heard from friends who have been catherized and they all talk about how much it hurts. so, all of you who have experience cathing patients, does it really hurt this much and how do you prepare your patient for this procedure?

As if it's a picnic for female patients??? :confused:

It's uncomfortable, but temporarily so. The discomfort can be managed by explaining the procedure to the patient, reinforcing the reason why it's necessary (to get a sterile sample, measure output, etc.), ensuring patient privacy without interruptions, and with females, taking the time to be sure where you're inserting the catheter.

Several patients have told me that the sensation of having an indwelling catheter - that feeling of "having to go all the time" - was actually more discomfiting than the insertion itself.

You'll learn the procedure in your skills lab - don't be afraid to seek out opportunities to practice during clinicals.

javanurse2000, BSN, RN · Jul 19, 2006

I had a male pt in his 60s who had an order for an I&O. He asked me if it would hurt and how long it takes -- Apparently he had never had a cath done while awake. I used a foley (I think the ones in the I&O kits are too rigid for males and can cause scar tissue). For the OP, if you meet resistance, it sometimes helps to have the pt cough or you can adjust the positioning of the member. Good luck!

dorimar, BSN, RN · Jul 19, 2006

Your husband let you cath him????? He must REALLY love you. lol. Seriously, i tell my patients it will hurt briefly. (it does hurt). I tell them to take deep slow breaths and think of something pleasant, ready here i go...... Yes i use urojet lidocaine if it is availble. While injecting th lidocain alone is enough to freak them out, it really helps because then they are numb. Unfortunately, we used to have it stocked on the unit, but now we can only get it from pharmacey with an order. If you really want to be kind, get that order and wait for it.