Which statement about male catheterization is CORRECT?

Which statement about male catheterization is CORRECT?

• A. Lubricant should only be applied to the tip of the catheter to prevent contamination.
• B. A coude tipped catheter should be used when the patient has a history of prostate enlargement.
• C. In the uncircumcised male, the foreskin should be positioned over the head of the penis during insertion.
• D. The patient should be instructed to contract the pelvic floor muscles during insertion.

Answer: (B)

This item tests the best approach to male catheterization when there is prostate enlargement. A coude-tipped catheter is designed with a curved tip that helps the catheter negotiate the curved path of the male urethra around an enlarged prostate, reducing resistance and reducing the risk of mucosal trauma, which is why it’s the most appropriate choice in this scenario. Lubricant should be applied along the distal portion of the catheter and the urethral opening to minimize friction across the entire catheter path, not only at the tip; limiting lubrication to just the tip can increase discomfort and friction during insertion. For an uncircumcised male, the foreskin should be retracted to cleanse and to expose the glans during insertion, and then returned to its normal position afterward; positioning the foreskin over the head during insertion would impede access and increase difficulty. During insertion, the patient should be instructed to relax the pelvic floor muscles rather than contract them, as relaxation eases catheter passage through the urethral opening.

This item tests the best approach to male catheterization when there is prostate enlargement. A coude-tipped catheter is designed with a curved tip that helps the catheter negotiate the curved path of the male urethra around an enlarged prostate, reducing resistance and reducing the risk of mucosal trauma, which is why it’s the most appropriate choice in this scenario.

Lubricant should be applied along the distal portion of the catheter and the urethral opening to minimize friction across the entire catheter path, not only at the tip; limiting lubrication to just the tip can increase discomfort and friction during insertion.

For an uncircumcised male, the foreskin should be retracted to cleanse and to expose the glans during insertion, and then returned to its normal position afterward; positioning the foreskin over the head during insertion would impede access and increase difficulty.

During insertion, the patient should be instructed to relax the pelvic floor muscles rather than contract them, as relaxation eases catheter passage through the urethral opening.