12.6.2: Procedure- Use of a Urinal
The use of a urinal helps the male patient to privately and safely urinate without having to ambulate to the bathroom or commode. Many male patients may find it easier to urinate in a high sitting or a standing position. Assist the patient into the position they are most comfortable and can safely assume during urination. Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides may need to assist some patients with positioning and holding the urinal while they urinate.
- Explain the procedure to the patient.
- Wash your hands. Don gloves.
- Provide for privacy.
- Adjust the bed to a safe working height. Lock bed wheels. Raise the head of the bed to put the patient in a sitting position in bed or at the side of the bed. Alternatively, assist the patient to a standing position. Refer to Procedures “Transfer to a Sitting Position in Bed ”, “ Helping the Patient to Sit at the Side of the Bed ”, and “ Helping the Patient to Stand”.
- Place a protective pad or towel under patient’s hips as needed.
- If the patient is able, hand them the urinal.
- If the patient requires assistance, place the urinal between the patient’s legs. Position the head of the penis into the urinal, ensuring it is completely inside the container.
- Be patient while assisting with urination. Allow for quiet during this time. Provide privacy by covering the patient with a blanket if they are in bed.
- Provide privacy for the patient to urinate if they do not require assistance by leaving the room. Check on the patient every five minutes, knocking before entering. Provide toilet paper.
- Discard gloves and wash your hands.
- When the patient has finished using the urinal, wash your hands and don clean gloves.
- Close the cap on the urinal.
- Lower the bed to the lowest height. Ensure bed rails are raised.
- Remove the urinal and supplies.
- Measure urine and record output as required.
- Dispose of urine into toilet. Flush toilet. Rinse and then store urinal. Do not store a urinal on a bedside table. Hang the urinal on a bed rail near the patient so they may easily access it.
- Dispose of gloves. Wash your hands.
- Document procedure and any observations or changes in condition or behavior.