Elimination Assistance

Assisting with a Urinal

Procedure Guidelines 1. To assist a patient with using a urinal, first provide privacy by closing the bedside curtain or the door to the room. 2. Perform hand hygiene. Apply gloves. 3. Assist patient if needed. A. Help the patient into an appropriate position, such as standing, sitting on the side of the bed, sitting in bed with the head of the bed elevated, or lying on the side or back. B. Hold the urinal for the patient or position the penis completely within the urinal and hold the urinal in place. 4. If the patient does not need assistance, have the patient hold the urinal and position the penis in it. Provide privacy as safety permits. If you leave the room, remove your gloves and perform hand hygiene. 5. After the patient has finished voiding, remove the urinal and help the patient back into bed. If needed, assist with perineal hygiene. 6. Note the amount, color, and other characteristics of the urine. 7. Empty the urinal and clean it, using the spray faucet attached to the toilet or as required by facility policy. Dry the urinal with a clean paper towel and return it to the patient. For easy access, attach it to the bed side rail. 8. Allow the patient to perform hand hygiene. 9. Dispose of gloves and perform hand hygiene.

Mosby items and derived items 2009 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

10. As part of follow-up care, record the patients urine volume on the flow sheet, if intake and output are being measured. Monitor for changes in normal urinary elimination pattern.

Mosby items and derived items 2009 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.