Assignment Problem:
Ralph Bellows, age 73, has been admitted with a stroke. Due to incontinence and skin breakdown, Ralph's nurse has decided to include the application of an external urinary sheath (condom catheter) in his plan of care.
Grace Halligan, age 24, is pregnant and has been placed on bed rest. She needs to void, but cannot get out of bed.
Mike Wimmer, age 36, receives peritoneal dialysis. Mike has noticed that the insertion site around his catheter is becoming tender and reddened.
1. When checking Ralph Bellow's external urinary sheath, you notice that, although the sheath is still in place, Mr. Bellow's bed is soaked with urine and there is very little urine in the catheter tubing. What should you do?
2. Grace Halligan is asking to go to the bathroom; she says, "I don't think I can go on a bedpan." You recheck the health care provider's orders and notice that Ms. Halligan is on strict bed rest. How can you help alleviate her concerns about using a bedpan?
3. Mike Wimmer notices that his peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion site is reddened and tender. He phones to ask what should be done. What should you tell Mike?