Applying an External Condom Catheter
Goal: The patient’s urinary elimination will be maintained, with a urine output of at least 30 mL/hour, and the bladder will not be distended.
1. Identify the patient. Discuss procedure with patient and assess patient’s ability to assist with the procedure. Discuss any allergies with patient, especially to latex.
2. Bring the necessary equipment to bedside. Obtain assistance from another staff member, if necessary. Perform hand hygiene. Put on disposable gloves.
3. Close curtains around bed and close door to room if possible.
4. Raise the bed to a comfortable working height. Stand on the patient’s right side if you are right handed, patient’s left side if you are left handed.
5. Prepare urinary drainage setup or reusable leg bag for attachment to condom sheath.
6. Position patient on his back with thighs slightly apart. Drape patient so that only the area around the penis is exposed. Slide waterproof pad under patient.
7. Put on disposable gloves. Trim any long pubic hair that is in contact with penis.
8. Clean the genital area with washcloth, skin cleanser, and warm water. If patient is uncircumcised, retract foreskin and clean glans of penis. Replace foreskin. Clean the tip of the penis first, moving the washcloth in a circular motion from the meatus outward. Wash the shaft of the penis using downward strokes toward the pubic area. Rinse and dry. Remove gloves. Perform hand hygiene again.
9. Apply skin protectant to penis and allow to dry.
10. Roll condom sheath outward onto itself. Grasp penis firmly with nondominant hand. Apply condom sheath by rolling it onto penis with dominant hand. Leave 1” to 2” (2.5–5 cm) of space between tip of penis and end of condom sheath.
11. Apply pressure to sheath at the base of penis for 10 to 15 seconds.
12. Connect condom sheath to drainage setup. Avoid kinking or twisting drainage tubing.
13. Remove gloves. Secure drainage tubing to the patient’s inner thigh with Velcro leg strap or tape. Leave some slack in tubing for leg movement.
14. Assist the patient to a comfortable position. Cover the patient with bed linens. Place the bed in the lowest position.
15. Secure drainage bag below the level of the bladder. Check that drainage tubing is not kinked and that movement of side rails does not interfere with the drainage bag.