possible causes & measures if there is discomfort after catheterization

[Amy2005]

In this situation, a foley catheter has been inserted into a male patient.

The procedure went easily with no resistance. The balloon was filled with

sterile water easily.

Later in the shift, the man said that he was experiencing discomfort.

It could have been at the meatus if he was perhaps pulling at the catheter?

There could have been some irritation of the urethra?

What could be done to relieve his discomfort?

Stabilize the catheter to his leg so it won't pull?

Adjust the position of the catheter?

What else might help?

[queenjean]

If someone is complaining of pain from their catheter, I will make sure it isn't pulling (apply or adjust a leg strap). If that doesn't help or the pain is severe, I do the following:

After checking for allergies, I will clean the peri-area and catheter very well, squirt a little lidocaine jelly into the meatus, deflate the catheter balloon, advance the catheter several inches, and then re-inflate the balloon. This helps not only with itching, burning, or that "But I feel like I have to pee" sensation, but also will insure that the catheter is properly placed. If the pt tugged on it too hard once, the balloon could have entered the urethra, causing the pain. The cleaning and instillation of lidocaine jelly helps ease itching and burning due to irritation or organic build-up.

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

one problem with male caths is that people sometimes do not insert the catheter deeply enough and the balloon can become inflated within the proximal urethra and cause an itching sensation. ouch! make sure there is urine draining in the foley drainage bag. note the color and amount. look for blood in the urine. if there has been bleeding blood clots can clog the drainage holes of the catheter. a person should be voiding at least 30 ml of urine hourly. if there is less urine than that in the bag investigate why that might be happening and begin encouraging fluids and watch the output. consider irrigating the catheter to verify that the catheter is patent. if blood and/or blood clots are returned the output needs to be watched closely and the catheter irrigated prn. the doctor may need to be notified and something may need to be given for bladder spasm. if the catheter was not placed deeply enough it will need to be removed and a new catheter inserted.