Tips/tricks voiding trial

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Anyone have any tips or tricks on getting patients to void during a voiding trial? Or even just after several high bladder scans?

I would prefer not to IC if there are other ideas.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Capacity/Bed Management.

I generally ask if they feel the urge to void, I attempt to get them into a more natural position if safe. If they can get out of bed safely I will stand males at the toilet/commode with some running water and get female patients sitting on the toilet/commode. If it doesn't work then you definitely have to straight cath.

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Specializes in Medsurg/Tele.

If your patient is able to stand/walk around, can walk with them in the hall. I did this with a patient who was nearing the end of her post-op voiding time before a catheter would be used. She tried her best by sitting on the toilet, running water, and applying a wet towel to her private areas to help encourage herself to void. I had suggested to walk around; gravity can help the urine come down and feel heavy, giving her the urge to void. After 3 hallway passes, she successfully voided. She was so relieved.

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Specializes in retired LTC.

Does anybody remember anything about the use of eucalyptus oil for voiding? I don't remember the specifics ...

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Specializes in Pedi.

When I worked in the hospital, we used to use spirit of peppermint. Put a few drops in the toilet or the urinal.

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Specializes in ICU, LTACH, Internal Medicine.

Keep them as much hydrated as clinically safe. Not only they feel the urge better, but peeing first time after Foley is no picnic, and concentrated urine makes it even worse. Good perineal care and absense of irritated skin down there is very important, as they became even less wishing to go if it hurts. If it happens anyway, use a whole lot of barrier cream.

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Specializes in Pediatric Critical Care.

Put the largest size catheter you stock within their view in the room.

No just kidding...probably.

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Specializes in Pediatric Critical Care.
Does anybody remember anything about the use of eucalyptus oil for voiding? I don't remember the specifics ...

When I worked in the hospital, we used to use spirit of peppermint. Put a few drops in the toilet or the urinal.

Darn it. I use peppermint and eucalyptus scents to help me focus when I study. Now its just gonna make me have to pee. Thanks a lot!

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Seriously the smell of peppermint oil really works. I have no idea why but it works!

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Specializes in Rodeo Nursing (Neuro).

I have also noticed that just showing the instruments of interrogation can often encourage a heretic to recant.

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Specializes in retired LTC.

To Kel & Charge - TY. I thought I was having old time hallucinations from nsg school. Can't remember why it worked either, but my old instructors swore by it.

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Specializes in retired LTC.
Put the largest size catheter you stock within their view in the room.

I was cysto'd a year ago The doc opened the tray next to me and I looked over and just commented "#16 (maybe #18, don't remember now).

Doc just stopped dumbfounded then remembered my nsg.

After the cysto, I couldn't get off that table fast enough to get into the BR to void. No problem post cath for me!!! And they did drain me for multiple specimens to start.

I also remember the trick of pouring warm water over the vulva. Relaxed muscles in the area, I think.

Funny that I can think of these things now because I am really a poor giver of STAT specimens. :cheeky:

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