The first objective is to relieve the patient of the discomfort so provide some strong opiate analgesia. Try conservative methods first - privacy, sound of running water, and making the patient stand up.
Catheterise if these conservative methods do not provide relief. First, try a Foley catheter inserted via the urethra; if unsuccessful, try a suprapubic catheter.
Some factors that should discourage an attempt at simple urethral catherisation include:
NICE have suggested guidance regarding the management of acute urinary retention in an adult male (1):
Reference:
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