Positioning and male catheterization

[Chaya, ASN, RN]

Anyone had any experience with positioning a male patient other than lying on his back to place a urinary catheter? I was wondering if any other positioning would redistribute internal organs that may be putting pressure on the prostate and thereby minimize internal stricture of the urethra. Had a difficult placement last night and was brainstorming about ways to make passing by that prostate-especially if a little enlarged-easier on my patients. (We don't have Coudes and the couple of times I used them I didn't find a significant difference). I use lots of lubricant, go slowly and have them do breathing excercises but it occurred to me perhaps positioning might make a difference.

I've seen the side-lying position used in females but that was primarily for comfort in holding the position.

Experiences/ opinions please?

[leslie :-D]

if i don't get a return, sometimes i put the hob up, allowing urine to drain by gravity...

and push fluids, if i KNOW there's no obstxn, and pt is able. (above/beyond iv's)

leslie

[sfsn]

I've never seen any position used other than supine. Would be interested to hear some other ideas!

[jmgrn65, RN]

sometimes twirling the cath. as you are inserting sometimes works. Using a coude helps a lot.

[TopazLover, BSN, RN]

I have found that holding the entire scrotum with non sterile hand sometimes help. There have been times when a second person is necessary to lift and manipulate the scrotum as they feel the cath. move.

I have never tried another position.

[husker_rn, RN]

Had a supervisor { ICU nurse } who put a foley in the freezer just long enough that it was slightly firm [ no pun intended ]. Also saw her do it with Coude as well. Both times made it easy to get past enlarged prostate.

[Chaya, ASN, RN]

Had a supervisor { ICU nurse } who put a foley in the freezer just long enough that it was slightly firm [ no pun intended ]. Also saw her do it with Coude as well. Both times made it easy to get past enlarged prostate.

Yeow!!