You have arrived at the home of an elderly man who called 911 for pain in his penis. He has a Foley catheter in place. He is supposed to have a home health aide visiting him daily, but, although it is 1500 hours, she has not yet visited today. You visualize the catheter and bag and note that the Foley bag is full of urine, so much so that it appears to be pulling the tube taut. You should:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

It is important to address the patient's discomfort and the full Foley bag. Accessing the drain to drain the urine into a container may provide relief for the patient and reduce the risk of complications associated with an overly full catheter bag. It is also important to assess the patient's vital signs, obtain a thorough medical history, and perform a physical exam to rule out any other possible causes of the patient's pain. Removal of a Foley catheter requires special training and should not be done unless deemed necessary by a healthcare provider. Calling the home health care service to inquire about the aide's schedule may be beneficial in addressing any potential issues with the patient's care plan. Transport to the ED may be necessary if the patient is experiencing severe pain or other concerning symptoms.

You Have Arrived at the Home of an Elderly Man