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Ensure that the tip of the penis fits snugly against the end of the condom: There should be a gap of about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) between the tip of the penis and the end of the condom catheter. This prevents the head of the penis (glans) from rubbing against the rubber, which causes skin irritation and breakdown. It also prevents urine from pooling against the skin, which can lead to maceration.

Change the condom every 8 hours: Changing a condom catheter every 8 hours is unnecessary and can cause skin trauma from repeated adhesive removal. Standard practice is to change it daily (every 24 hours) or when it becomes soiled or dislodged.

Tape the collecting tubing to the lower abdomen: For male patients, the tubing of a condom catheter (or indwelling catheter) is typically secured to the upper thigh to prevent tension on the penis. Taping to the lower abdomen is more common for long-term suprapubic catheters to prevent penoscrotal fistulas, but it is not the standard for condom catheters.

Leaves the catheter in place and asks another nurse to attempt the procedure: While you might eventually need help, the immediate nursing action is to maintain the landmark and prepare a sterile replacement. The nurse should attempt to correct their own technique before delegating, provided sterile technique is maintained.

Removes the catheter and redirects it to the urinary meatus: Once the catheter touches the vaginal mucosa, it is no longer sterile. Inserting a contaminated catheter into the bladder will introduce bacteria directly into the urinary tract, significantly increasing the risk of a catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI).

Removes the catheter, wipes it with a sterile gauze, and redirects it to the urinary meatus: Wiping a catheter with gauze does not resterilize it. Once the sterile field or equipment is breached by contact with non-sterile skin or mucous membranes, it must be discarded.

In the hospital, a clean technique is used for catheter insertion: In an acute care or hospital setting, indwelling catheterization must be performed using sterile technique (surgical asepsis). Clean technique is only acceptable for intermittent self-catheterization in the home environment.

The catheter is inserted 2” to 3” into the meatus: This is the measurement for a female client. For a male client, the catheter should be inserted 7 to 9 inches (17 to 22.5 cm), or until urine flows, and then advanced another 1–2 inches to ensure the balloon is not inflated inside the urethra.

Since it uses a closed system, the risk for urinary tract infection is absent: While a closed drainage system reduces the risk of infection compared to an open system, the risk is never absent. An indwelling catheter is the primary cause of healthcare-associated UTIs (CAUTIs) because it provides a direct pathway for bacteria to enter the bladder via biofilm.

Cleansing with antiseptic 3-4 times daily: Current evidence-based practice suggests that aggressive cleansing with antiseptics (like povidone-iodine) can irritate the meatus and actually increase infection risk. Routine hygiene with mild soap and water during a bath is sufficient.

Emptying the bag daily: Emptying the bag only once a day is insufficient and increases the risk of bacterial overgrowth. The bag should be emptied whenever it is one-half to two-thirds full, or at least every 8 hours, to maintain flow and prevent tension.

Irrigating with sterile water: Routine irrigation breaks the closed drainage system. Every time the catheter is disconnected from the tubing to irrigate, you provide an entry point for bacteria. Irrigation should only be done if an obstruction is suspected (e.g., blood clots).

Not removing the catheter for any reason: Condom catheters must be removed daily to perform thorough perineal care and to inspect the skin of the penis for signs of irritation, swelling, or decreased circulation.

Fastening the condom tightly: A condom catheter that is applied too tightly acts as a tourniquet. Because the penis can change in size due to erections or edema, a tight application can cut off blood flow, leading to tissue necrosis. There should always be a small gap (about 1–2 inches) between the tip of the penis and the end of the catheter.

Maintaining bed rest at all times: A condom catheter is not an indication for bed rest. In fact, it is often used for mobile patients to help them maintain independence. The drainage bag can be switched to a leg bag to allow for ambulation.