Question

The nurse is inserting an indwelling Foley catheter in a male patient. The nurse asks the patient to bear down as if to void, and slowly inserts the catheter through the urethral meatus. The nurse advances the catheter and meets resistance. What is the nurse's best initial action at this time?

A. Ask the patient to take slow deep breaths while inserting the catheter slowly.
B. Withdraw the catheter and notify the health care provider.
C. Apply more force to insert the catheter inward.
D. Remove the catheter, apply more lubricant, and reinsert.

Answer 1

The nurse should initially ask the patient to take slow deep breaths to alleviate urethral resistance during catheter insertion. If resistance continues, further actions such as applying lubricant or contacting a health care provider may be considered.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a nurse encounters resistance while inserting an indwelling Foley catheter in a male patient, the best initial action would be option A: ask the patient to take slow deep breaths while inserting the catheter slowly. When resistance is encountered, applying more force can cause injury and should be avoided. Taking slow deep breaths can help relax the urethral sphincter and pelvic muscles, potentially alleviating the resistance. If resistance persists, the nurse may consider applying more lubricant, withdrawing the catheter and notifying the health care provider, but these actions should not be the initial steps without attempting the less invasive approach of slow breathing first. It is always important to prioritize patient safety and comfort during medical procedures.