A nurse is applying a condom catheter to a male client who is incontinent. Which of the following is an appropriate technique to use?

A. Apply sterile gloves after performing hand hygiene: Applying a condom catheter does not require sterile technique. Clean gloves are appropriate to reduce the risk of infection, but sterile gloves are unnecessary, as the procedure is considered noninvasive and low risk for introducing pathogens. B. Unroll the catheter before applying it to the penis: The condom catheter should be unrolled onto the penis during application, not before, to ensure proper fit and prevent twisting or air pockets. Pre-unrolling can make placement difficult and may compromise the seal, increasing the risk of leakage. C. Leave space between the tip of the penis and the end of the condom catheter: Leaving a small space (about 1–2 cm) at the tip prevents pressure on the glans, reduces the risk of irritation or ischemia, and allows urine to flow freely into the collection bag without causing trauma to the penis. This is a key aspect of safe and effective application. D. Tape the condom catheter to the penis using waterproof adhesive tape: The catheter should not be secured with adhesive tape around the shaft, as this can cause constriction, skin breakdown, or impaired circulation. Most condom catheters have self-adhesive or elastic sheaths that secure the device without additional taping.