What is an external catheter used for?

An external catheter, often referred to as a male external catheter or condom catheter, is specifically designed to drain urine from the body. This type of catheter is typically applied to the skin, directing urine away in a way that is less invasive than other catheterization methods, such as those requiring insertion into the bladder.

The primary purpose of an external catheter is to provide a means of urinary management, particularly useful for patients who may be bedridden or have difficulty accessing a toilet. It ensures that urine is collected safely and hygienically, reducing the risk of urinary tract infections that can occur with internal catheters.

In the context of the other choices, administering medications, monitoring blood pressure, and delivering nutrition do not pertain to the function of an external catheter. Medications can be administered via various routes such as injections, oral medications, or IV lines; blood pressure monitoring typically involves the use of cuffs or devices for accurate assessment; and nutritional delivery often requires enteral feeding tubes or intravenous access that is unrelated to urinary drainage.