The Power of Persuasion: Convincing Her to Partially Empty Her Bladder

So you have to send your patient to the bathroom to partly empty her bladder. Good for you! Despite some initial protesting, both you and her will enjoy the rest of the scan much more after she’s emptied a bit.

So how do you persuade her to attempt this? It’s not that hard, don’t worry, keep reading to find out.  

Don’t just tell her to empty halfway and send her off. She has no idea how much peeing is going to be half a bladder! Send along a disposable cup and clear instructions to pee into the cup until it is full (or half full or two cups full, you’ll figure this measure out for yourself with practice) then stop peeing, throw out the cup and the pee (I stress this because someone always brings me the pee cup) and come back to this room so you can look again.

Note: Over the years this routine has turned into a bit of a song and dance for me. As I talk I use gestures to show how much to fill the cup, how to stop and to throw the cup away and come back. This is especially helpful if your patient doesn’t have the best English comprehension or as an ice breaker to lighten the mood.

This is a win-win scenario! She gets to release the pressure and feel relief and you get better, clearer images. Stress the positives.

Let her know that she can do this, once she can empties a bit it will relieve the pressure and she will be perfectly capable of stopping the flow. And you will be able to get really nice images for the doctor for her diagnosis.

Then remind her that after just a few more minutes of scanning she can look forward to emptying completely! An upbeat presentation can make all the difference. Often times when patients see that you are feeling relaxed and cheerful about the process they are able to relax as well.

We’ve all been in this situation, especially as a tech. When she complains about her full uncomfortable bladder, smile and tell her you understand. It is terrible!

When you were a student and everyone practiced scanning each other you had to fill your bladder before class, then wait through a lecture, then patiently submit to being scanned by a student in-training, who was so slow you thought you would burst!

A little story like this can help to distract your patient as you scan and let her know that you understand what it’s like to be in her position, and that you are doing your best to complete the exam and get her to the bathroom!

These three simple things can do a lot to improve the daunting prospect of bladder control for a pelvic exam patient.

Remember that although you do these scans every day, all day, it’s something completely new and intimidating for many patients. They are often nervous and deeply uncomfortable. Be kind. Make them feel that their exam is important to you and they will reward you with their trust. 

You can do this and you can do it well. 

Happy Scanning!