Purpose

• Condom catheters are common for incontinent men. They are also called external catheters, Texas catheters, and urinary sheaths.
• A condom catheter is a soft sheath that slides over the penis. Tubing connects the condom catheter to the drainage bag. Many men prefer leg bags.
• Condom catheters are changed daily after perineal care. To apply one, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Thoroughly wash the penis with soap and water. Then dry it before applying the catheter.
• Some condom catheters are self-adhering. Adhesive inside the catheter adheres to the penis. Other catheters are secured with elastic tape. Use the elastic tape packaged with the catheter. This allows blood flow to the penis. Only use elastic tape. Never use adhesive tape or other tape to secure catheters. They do not expand. Blood flow to the penis is cut off, injuring the penis.

Equipment

Roll cursor over items to see labels. For the purposes of clearly depicting the equipment, a barrier is not shown in this photo. When providing care, a barrier should always be placed on the surface before placing the equipment.

Bath blanket

Towel and washcloths

Bath basin

Condom catheter (self-adhering or condom secured with elastic tape)

Condom catheter (self-adhering or condom secured with elastic tape)

Standard drainage bag or leg bag

Cap for the drainage bag

Paper towels

Soap

Bath thermometer

Gloves

Waterproof pad

Delegation

• Follow delegation guidelines. Before applying a condom catheter, obtain this information from the nurse and care plan:
  • What size to use—small, medium, or large
  • When to remove the catheter and apply a new one
  • If a leg bag or standard drainage bag is used
  • What water temperature to use for perineal care
  • What observations to report and record
  • When to report observations
  • What patient or resident concerns to report at once

Preparation

• Observe quality-of-life measures.
• Review the information under Delegation and Safety and Comfort in the Video Skills “Applying a Condom Catheter” and “Giving Male Perineal Care.”
• Practice hand hygiene.
• Collect the equipment.
• Cover the over-bed table with paper towels. Arrange items on top of them.
• Identify the person. Check the ID bracelet against the assignment sheets. Also call the person by name.
• Provide for privacy.
• Fill the wash basin. Water temperature is about 105˚F (40.5˚C). Measure water temperature according to agency policy. Ask the person to check the water temperature. Adjust water temperature as needed.
• Raise the bed for body mechanics. Bed rails are up if used.

Safety

• Do not apply a condom catheter if the penis is red, irritated, or shows signs of skin breakdown. Report your observations at once.
• If you do not know how to use your agency’s condom catheters, ask the nurse to show you the correct application. Then ask the nurse to observe you applying the catheter.
• Blood must flow to the penis. If tape is needed, use the elastic tape packaged with the catheter. Apply it in a spiral.

Comfort

• To apply a condom catheter, you need to touch and handle the penis. This can embarrass the man. Some men become sexually aroused. Always act in a professional manner. If necessary, allow the man privacy. Provide for safety and place the urinal within reach. Tell him when you will return and then leave the room. Or ask him to use the call light when ready for you to finish the procedure. Knock before entering the room again.

Follow-up Care

• Provide for comfort.
• Place the call light within reach.
• Lower the bed to its lowest position. Raise or lower bed rails. Follow the care plan.
• Unscreen the person.
• Practice hand hygiene. Put on clean gloves.
• Measure and record the amount of urine in the bag. Clean or discard the collection bag.
• Clean, rinse, dry, and return the wash basin and other equipment. Return items to their proper place.
• Remove and discard the gloves. Practice hand hygiene.
• Complete a safety check of the room.

Reporting/Recording

• Report and record your observations, including:
  • Reddened or open areas on the penis
  • Swelling of the penis
  • Color, clarity (or cloudiness), and odor of urine
  • Particles or blood in the urine