What is the recommended action if a patient with a catheter shows discomfort?

When a patient with a catheter experiences discomfort, the recommended action is to check the catheter's position and evaluate hygiene. This response is crucial because discomfort can often stem from improper insertion, kinking, or displacement of the catheter, which may lead to irritation or pain. By assessing the catheter's position, you can identify any issues that may be causing discomfort, such as the catheter being pulled taut or not being fully inserted.

Additionally, evaluating hygiene is important since catheter-associated urinary tract infections can contribute to discomfort. Ensuring proper hygiene can help prevent infections and maintain patient comfort. This approach emphasizes the need for immediate, hands-on assessment to determine the cause of the patient's discomfort rather than taking more extreme measures or ignoring the issue entirely.