Applying an External (Condom) Catheter

Applying an External (Condom) Catheter

Equipment
■ Condom catheter.
■ 2 pairs of clean procedure gloves.
■ Washcloth and towel.
■ Basin of soap and water.
■ Bath blanket.
■ Urine collection bag (e.g., bedside drainage bag or leg bag).
■ Disposable tape measure.
■ Skin prep (per agency policy).
■ Scissors.
■ Commercial leg strap.

Assessment
■ Assess cognitive level to determine whether the patient will be able to follow instructions; and for conditions that may impair the patient’s ability to assume the necessary position.
■ Be Smart! Assess pattern of voiding to confirm that a condom catheter should be applied. Assess the skin along the shaft of the penis, the glans, and the meatus (for swelling or excoriation). Note whether and how much the penis is retracted toward the body.
■ Be Safe! Assess for neuropathy that affects sensation in the penis and requires more frequent reassessment to prevent Impaired Skin Integrity.

Post-Procedure Reassessment
■ Assess the penis for circulatory changes.
■ Assess:
■ Position and patency of the drainage tubing.
■ Characteristics of the urine (e.g., amount, color, odor, bleeding).
■ Patient comfort.
■ Leakage of urine.
■ Be Safe! Within 30 minutes after condom application, assess that urine flow is not obstructed; and that the penis is not swollen or discolored.

Key Points
■ Clean and dry the penis before catheter application.
■ When applying the condom, stabilize the penis with your nondominant hand.
■ Leave a gap of 2.5 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in.) between the condom and the tip of the penis to prevent skin irritation.
■ Use only the tape supplied in the application kit to secure the catheter.
■ For condom catheters that contain adhesive material on the inside of the condom, grasp the penis and gently compress the condom onto the shaft.
■ Be certain that the tubing from the end of the catheter to the drainage bag is free from kinks.

Documentation
■ Chart date and time of application of the external catheter.
■ Note unusual findings in your assessment of the penis.
■ Document characteristics of urine (e.g., color, odor, consistency, blood).

Unrolling the condom catheter

Securing the drainage tubing to the thigh using a commercial leg strap