Question

During a urinary bladder catheter insertion with a size 16 catheter on the 68-year-old male, the nurse feels increased resistance. Which is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?

1. Withdraw the catheter and apply more lubricant.
2. Instruct the client to take a deep breath and bear down.
3. Stop catheter insertion and instruct client to take deep breaths.
4. Withdraw the catheter and notify the health care provider.

Answer 1

The nurse should stop the catheter insertion, instruct the patient to take deep breaths, and if resistance continues, withdraw the catheter and inform the healthcare provider. The option (3) is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a nurse encounters increased resistance during a urinary bladder catheter insertion in an elderly male, the most appropriate action would be for the nurse to stop the catheter insertion and instruct the client to take deep breaths.

This approach helps avoid potential injury or exacerbation of any underlying condition such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or a urinary tract infection (UTI). If resistance continues despite this intervention, the nurse should then withdraw the catheter and notify the healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance. Therefore, option (3) is correct.