BERKELEY, CA (UroToday.com) - This is a very comprehensive review for clinicians who teach men intermittent self-catheterization (ISC).
The author notes that self-catheterization can be challenging for men and that nurses are key for a patient to be successful. Effective teaching and communication skills are essential for teaching ISC. The author provides the indications for male ISC, reviews anatomy of the male urethra, and provides the following checklist for nurses to follow when teaching ISC:
- Assess patient
- Stress the need for hand hygiene prior to catheterization
- Explain to patient reason for ISC and the consequences of non-compliance (upper tract problems, UTIs, etc.)
- “Sell” the benefits of ISC (e.g., bladder symptom control, etc.)
- Explain complications of ISC ( e.g., bleeding, risk of UTIs)
- Identify best environment for teaching ISC
- Identify more appropriate and comfortable position for patient to perform ISC
- Select a catheter that suites patient’s lifestyle by considering catheter size, length, material/coating, and need for aids such as grip handles.
- Demonstrate how to open catheter package, hold, and lubricate catheter
- Lead and direct the catheterization by guiding patient
- Prescribe catheter supplies, and provide information about how to obtain them
- Teach signs and symptoms of UTIs
- Have the patient record catheterization volumes
Logan K
Reference: Br J Nurs. 2012 Oct 11-24;21(18):S18-22
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 23123813
Written by Diane K. Newman, DNP, FAAN, BCB-PMD
