male catheterization, the passage of a catheter through the male urethra for the purpose of draining the urinary bladder or instilling a medication. A French size 14 catheter is usually determined for adult men unless the physician orders a larger size. The male patient is placed in a supine position with the legs extended. The catheter is inserted 17.5 to 22.5 cm or until urine flows. Sterile technique is important throughout the procedure to prevent the introduction of infectious organisms into the bladder. ▪ OUTCOME CRITERIA: The expected outcome is drainage of urine from the bladder and relief of bladder distension and discomfort. Unexpected outcomes include the absence of urine because of an inability to advance the catheter through the urethra to the bladder. Catheter insertion should never be forced. The male may also experience ongoing discomfort despite catheter patency, which may be a result of urethral spasm, bladder infection, or balloon inflation when the balloon is not entirely in the bladder. Leakage of urine around the catheter may indicate that the catheter size is too small or that the balloon is inadequately inflated.
