Is this appropriate behaviour when placing a condom catheter?

Nurses Relations

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Specializes in Cath lab, acute, community.

Today I was talking to an agency nurse that frequents my ward about how hard it is sometimes to place a condom catheter properly, especially on older gentlemen!!! She said what she sometimes does is explain to the man (if his member is small in length) it can be easier placed if he makes himself slightly erect, and she would leave the room, and then come back and place it back on.

Now, whilst I was studying nursing, I used to work in a sexual health clinic and when we did urethral swabs of the member it was explained to the man it was more effective and less painful if he was erect at the time, and we left the room and allowed for that to occur, and came back. It was needed.

But for a condom catheter on a ward, is this appropriate? I feel it is not. Thank goodness it's a rare occurrence.

Specializes in LTC and School Health.

I don't see anything wrong with that nurses' suggestions. The purpose is to get that condom cath on and whatever works, works.

Specializes in Cath lab, acute, community.

Thank you - I thought I was being a prude, but wasn't to sure!

Specializes in LTC and School Health.
Thank you - I thought I was being a prude, but wasn't to sure!

No you are not being prude. I can understand your questioning. Personally, I have hard time dealing with erect memberes at work. Internally, I get grossed out. However, sometimes its' necessary for male patients to have an erection for certain interventions.

Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Ewwww. No i think it's inappropriate.

If they're sick enough to need a condom cath and can still get an erection.. I would be confused!

Specializes in Cath lab, acute, community.

This patient had incontinence and did not feel the need to go, he would just urinate, but could probably gain an erection if he chose to. Although he was well into his 80's so maybe not!

In my experience, lots of luck with getting a condom catheter to stay on...erect or not.

Specializes in Hospice.

I think its fine......i probably wouldn't do it.

Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

a sexual health clinic is one thing, but i'd imagine a man would find it to be a very odd request if his nurse is asking him to pitch a bit of a tent

Specializes in LTC and School Health.
If they're sick enough to need a condom cath and can still get an erection.. I would be confused!

How come? Just because someone is incontinent doesn't mean they cannot get an erection. I have taken care of patients who were incontinent but still able to get an erection. Sometimes it's a physiological response that happens without tactile stimulation. Seen it many times....

Whatever, but just be prepared for the idea to be taken any and all ways by everybody involved...

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