NUR 111: PROCEDURAL GUIDELINE 33-1: ASSISTING WITH USE OF A URINAL There are male & female urinal devices

ASSISTING WITH USE OF A URINAL  Brief introduction:  A urinal is a container used to hold urine when access to a toilet is restricted.  Patients who may need a urinal include those who have compromised mobility, severe dyspnea, or other illnesses that make walking to a bathroom impossible or excessively painful.  In some instances a male patient may be able to stand at the bedside and use a urinal.  Most urinals are used by men, but there are specially designed urinals for women.  The female urinal has a larger opening at the top with a defined rim, which helps position the urinal closely against the genitalia.

PROCEDURAL STEPS 1. Assess patient’s normal urinary elimination habits, including any episodes of incontinence. 2. Determine how much assistance is needed to place and remove the urinal. 3. Determine if a urine specimen is to be collected. 4. Explain procedure to the patient. 5. Provide privacy by closing bedside curtain and room door.

PROCEDURAL STEPS – CONT’D 6. Assess for a distended bladder by inspecting the lower one third of the abdomen or palpating gently above symphysis pubis. 7. Perform hand hygiene and apply clean gloves. 8. Help patient into appropriate position: For a male patient : on side, back sitting with head of bed elevated, or in standing position. For a female patient: lying supine. If needed, place an absorbent pad under patient’s buttocks to protect bed linens from accidental spills. Clinical Decision Point : Before having a patient stand to void, assess lower-extremity strength and mobility and for orthostatic hypotension, especially if he has been on prolonged bed rest.

PROCEDURAL STEPS – CONT’D 9. If possible, a male patient should hold the urinal and position the penis in the urinal. If needed, help patient by positioning penis completely in the urinal and holding the urinal in place or by helping him hold the urinal. Ensure that the urinal is placed dependent of the flow of urine. 10. Help a female patient by positioning the urinal against the genitalia and stabilizing it to keep it in position and dependent of urine flow. 11. Cover the patient with bed linens and place the call bell within reach. If possible, give patient further privacy by leaving the bedside after ensuring that they are in a safe and comfortable position.

PROCEDURAL STEPS – CONT’D 12. After patient has finished voiding, remove urinal and assess characteristics of the urine for color, clarity, odor, and amount. Help him or her wash and dry penis or genitalia. 13. Measure urine and record output on intake and output (I&O) record, if needed. 14. Empty and clean the urinal. Return urinal to patient for future use. 15. Help patient perform hand hygiene, as needed. 16. Remove and dispose of gloves; perform hand hygiene.

HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLES FOR YOU TO REVIEW

END OF SKILL This is the end of your skill. Your book has provided a video for you to watch and here is the link: Potter/ClinicalSkills/video39.php Potter/ClinicalSkills/video39.php Elsevier: Perry-Potter: Clinical Nursing Skills and Techniques. 8e-PG 33.1: Assisting a Patient in using a urinal