A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter for a patient.
What actions should the nurse plan to take?

Choice A rationale:

Reflex incontinence is a type of urinary incontinence that occurs when the person has no control over urination. They’re unable to feel when their bladder is full and can’t control the process of emptying it. This is often due to a brain or spinal cord injury that disrupts communication between these organs. However, this condition does not necessarily indicate the need for catheterization in a client with paraplegia who is already on an intermittent urinary catheterization program.

Choice B rationale:

Urge incontinence, also known as overactive bladder, is characterized by a sudden, intense urge to urinate, followed by an involuntary loss of urine. This condition can be caused by various factors, including neurological disorders, bladder abnormalities, and certain medications. While it can be a challenge for individuals with paraplegia, it does not directly indicate the need for catheterization.

Choice C rationale:

Nocturnal enuresis, or bedwetting, is involuntary urination while asleep. It’s a common condition, especially in young children, but it can affect individuals of any age. In the context of a client with paraplegia, nocturnal enuresis could be a symptom of a larger issue, such as a urinary tract infection or bladder dysfunction, but it does not directly indicate the need for catheterization. Choice D rationale:

Suprapubic discomfort or pain in the area above the pubic bone could be a sign of bladder distension, which is a common complication in individuals with spinal cord injuries. Bladder distension can occur when the bladder becomes overly full and can’t empty, causing discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen. This is a clear indication for the need to catheterize the client.

Choice A rationale:

Positioning the client supine is not the immediate next step after performing hand hygiene when preparing to remove a patient’s urinary catheter. While it is important to ensure the patient is in a comfortable and appropriate position for the procedure, the immediate next step should be focused on ensuring the area is clean to prevent infection.

Choice B rationale:

After performing hand hygiene, the nurse should cleanse the perineal area with an antiseptic. This is to ensure that the area is clean before proceeding with the removal of the urinary catheter. It helps to prevent the introduction of bacteria into the urinary tract, which could lead to a urinary tract infection. The use of an antiseptic is recommended to kill any potential pathogens that may be present.

Choice C rationale:

Deflating the balloon halfway and then pulling out the catheter is not the immediate next step after performing hand hygiene. This step is usually done later in the process. Before deflating the balloon, it is important to ensure that the area is clean to prevent infection. Moreover, deflating the balloon halfway could potentially cause discomfort or injury to the patient. The balloon should be fully deflated before the catheter is removed.

Choice D rationale:

Having the client bear down during removal is not the immediate next step after performing hand hygiene. This action might be suggested during the actual removal of the catheter to aid in the process, but it is not the immediate next step. The focus right after hand hygiene should be on cleaning the area to prevent infection.