Condom Catheter: A urine collection device that fits like a condom over the penis, but also has a tube that goes to a collection bag strapped to the leg. Other names for this product include external urinary catheter and penile sheath catheter.
CSS Considerations:
- Establish a baseline assessment of the condition of the penis.
- Determine the status of the client’s fluid intake and any fluid intake restrictions.
- The CSS should prioritize follow-up with clients or substitute decision makers with any PSW reports of adverse findings.
PSW Considerations:
- Keep the drainage bag below the level of the client’s bladder (abdomen) at all times.
- Ensure the tubing is free of kinks or loops and that the client is not lying on it.
- Do not pull or tug on the catheter.
- Do not use powder around the catheter site.
- Check the skin around the catheter site for signs of irritation.
- Encourage fluid intake if the client does not have a fluid restriction.
- Notify the office at 416-635-2860 immediately if any of the following are observed:
- Blood, cloudiness, or foul odour
- Decreased urine output
- Irritation, redness, tenderness, swelling, drainage, or leaking
- Fever or chills
- Abdominal or flank (lower back) pain
- If any of the above issues are observed, do not apply the condom catheter. Report issues to the office immediately at 416-635-2860 and apply an incontinence brief for the client in the meantime.
Required Supplies:
- Clean gloves
- Soap and water for perineal care
- Towel for drying
- Clean condom catheter
- Clean urine collection bag
- Adjustable straps for attaching to client’s leg
- Skin-prep solution if using
- A sheath holder to keep condom in place if using
Procedure for Applying a Condom Catheter:
- Check the client’s care plan and gather all necessary equipment.
- Position the client in either a lying or sitting position, depending on the client’s preference.
- If applicable, remove the old condom catheter and detach the urine collection bag.
a. Discard the used catheter in the garbage.
b. Empty the urine from the urine collection bag and clean the bag following the established cleaning process.
c. Leave the bag to air dry. - Provide perineal care with soap and water and dry thoroughly.
- Remove and discard gloves in the garbage. Perform hand hygiene and apply clean gloves.
- Proceed with the condom catheter application if the skin is intact with no irritation or sores.
- Apply the skin-prep solution, if using, to the skin and pubic area.
- 8. Ensure the foreskin is not retracted in uncircumcised clients.
- 9. Place the condom catheter on the tip of the penis and unroll it to the base, leaving 1 to 2 inches between the tip of the penis and the end of the condom catheter.
- Wrap the sheath holder around the condom catheter at the base of the penis.
a. Do not wrap the sheath holder too tightly because this may stop blood circulation.
b. Always ask the client if they are comfortable after the sheath is applied. - Connect the condom catheter to the tube of a clean, dry urine collection bag. It is not recommended to use the same bag that was just removed.
- Secure the urine collection bag to the client’s leg or on the bedside frame below the level of the bladder.
- Remove gloves and perform hand hygiene.
References:
Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Condom catheter for incontinence.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22475-condom-catheter-for-incontinence
Healthline. (2019, May 31). Condom catheters: How and when to use.
https://www.healthline.com/health/condom-catheter#_noHeaderPrefixedContent
Healthwise. (2021, October 18). Catheters for urinary incontinence in men.
https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/catheters-urinary-incontinence-men
Osmosis. (2021). Condom catheters: Clinical skills notes.
https://www.osmosis.org/learn/Condom_catheters:_Clinical_skills_notes
Potter, P., Perry, A. G., Stockert, P., Hall, A. (2019). Canadian fundamentals of
nursing (6th ed,. Astle, B. J., & Duggleby, W. Eds.). Elsevier Canada.
University of Manitoba Nursing Skills. (2018, November 2). How to apply a condom
catheter [Video]. YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cOv3k2JRZU&ab_channel=UniversityofManitobaNursingSkills