A male patient complains of discomfort while inflating the balloon during insertion of an indwelling urinary catheter. What should you do?

When a male patient reports discomfort while inflating the balloon of an indwelling urinary catheter, the appropriate action is to deflate the balloon, advance the catheter further, and then reinflate the balloon once it is positioned correctly. This approach is crucial for several reasons.

Firstly, if the catheter is not fully in the bladder, inflating the balloon can cause unnecessary pain and could potentially lead to injury. The balloon must always be inflated when the catheter is properly situated within the bladder to ensure comfort and proper function. By deflating the balloon and advancing the catheter, you can confirm that the catheter is within the correct anatomical placement.

Once the catheter is adequately in place within the bladder, reinflating the balloon ensures secure placement and minimizes the risk of dislodgement or leakage. This method also helps the patient avoid any further discomfort that might occur from incorrect placement of the catheter.

This approach is aligned with best practices for catheter insertion and management, ensuring that patient safety and comfort are prioritized.