Catheterizing The Neighbor Lady

With growing suspicion darkening her tone, the patient asked, "Why are you putting gloves on?" I knew what she was worried about, I had threatened her earlier that if she didn't void, she would be catheterized. That's not why I was putting the gloves on, though. I just wanted to get rid of her blood tubing.

The absolutely last thing I wanted to do was catheterize her. Not that I enjoy doing that to anyone, but her especially, I did not want to do. It was nothing personal, I liked her just fine, she didn't smell or anything like that; the problem was that she was my former neighbor. It was just too awkward and embarrassing and I'm sure that she felt the same way about me. It's much easier to handle the genitals of strangers than of acquaintances.

It was near the end of my shift, but instead of applying the thumbscrews like I normally do to get people to agree to be catheterized, I gave her an easy out. I reminded her that as a competent adult, she had the right to refuse. That left a door open for her to refuse and she jumped at the chance. Problem solved.

I did feel a little guilty about dumping a possible catheterization on the next shift, but it turned out okay. She later voided during the next shift.

So, do you find it easier to handle the genitals of strangers or acquaintances? ( No, don't answer that. I'm joking.)