Published Feb 8, 2008
Chaya, ASN, RN
932 Posts
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
11,191 Posts
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
65 Posts
I've never seen any position used other than supine. Would be interested to hear some other ideas!
jmgrn65, RN
1,344 Posts
sometimes twirling the cath. as you are inserting sometimes works. Using a coude helps a lot.
TopazLover, BSN, RN
1 Article; 728 Posts
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
417 Posts
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!!