The time is 1:20 am, and I can't sleep. I am bothered by what I did with my patient's condom catheter.
At first, I did what a good nurse should; I explained the need for the procedure, made the patient comfortable, cleaned and dried the genitalia, changed the condom catheter (etc). Everything went fine.
After 30 minutes, the patient called because he " accidentally" pulled off the c.cath. So I taped the sheath back into place, tightened it a little, and reminded him to care for it. But the thing was that he kept calling for the same concern over and over. He won't let anybody but me to do what has to be done. On the 4th time within just an hour that he called for a nurse, I sent the Nursing assistant to check on him; and there he was caught removing the velcro tape. Still he insisted on requesting for me to put the thing back.
I knew I am patient and considerate, but that time my shift was to end in an hour and I still have a lot of documentations to do.
Even so, I went to this patient and said in a very professional manner that he's being manipulative and I won't tolerate it. He smiled and said that I should be enjoying each time I get to hold his genital instead of complaining because it is my job to give "pleasure" to my patients. I felt insulted, really, that I taped his pubic hair to the sheath. He did not buzz anymore.
I know it will be really painful each time he attempts to pull off his condom catheter.
I endorsed it to the in-coming nurse though.
I cannot rationalize for what I did. I feel guilty.
Do you also do things like this with patients who in all means are suppose to be understood and cared for by their nurse?
I think you came up with an ingenious (and harmless) incentive for this manipulative patient to stop the game playing. He,obviously,has no concern for anyone but himself.
He needs counseling on a number of issues surrounding his CVA and associated infirmities.
Don't waste another second on this.
My sentiments exactly. If by chance his behavior was CVA related, an irritation, or any other "justifiable" action the tape will serve as a reminder to him to leave it alone. If it is a sexual behavior well then it still serves as a reminder.
Taping the cath to the pubic hair isn't cruel or unusual it is a solution to a problem, how it's removed is another story.
Specializes in psychiatric nursing, med/surg adult care.
My sentiments exactly. If by chance his behavior was CVA related, an irritation, or any other "justifiable" action the tape will serve as a reminder to him to leave it alone. If it is a sexual behavior well then it still serves as a reminder.
Taping the cath to the pubic hair isn't cruel or unusual it is a solution to a problem, how it's removed is another story.
He got a trim down there. He was then under the care of my senior nurse, an old strict lady up until he was discharged!
Kevin RN08
295 Posts
My sentiments exactly. If by chance his behavior was CVA related, an irritation, or any other "justifiable" action the tape will serve as a reminder to him to leave it alone. If it is a sexual behavior well then it still serves as a reminder.
Taping the cath to the pubic hair isn't cruel or unusual it is a solution to a problem, how it's removed is another story.