To facilitate urinary catheter insertion for an anxious patient, the nurse should instruct the client to:

• A. Initiate a stream of urine
• B. Breathe deeply
• C. Turn to the side
• D. Hold the labia or shaft of penis

Answer: (B)

Calm cooperation through relaxation is the goal. Deep, slow breathing helps reduce anxiety and lowers sympathetic arousal, which in turn relaxes the pelvic muscles and decreases guarding around the urethral opening. When the body isn’t tense, the catheter has a smoother path, making insertion easier and less uncomfortable for the patient.

Other options don’t target relaxation in the moment. Initiating a stream of urine isn’t something the patient can reliably do to facilitate insertion and it doesn’t prepare the urethra. Turning to the side may improve comfort but doesn’t specifically reduce pelvic muscle tension. Holding the labia or shaft can cause additional discomfort and resistance, hindering the procedure.