A patient in the hospital has an in-dwelling urinary catheter, and the nurse is instructing the nursing student in the appropriate care to provide. Which one of the following does the nurse teach the student to do?

Question

a. Empty the drainage bag at least every eight hours.
b. Cleanse up the length of the catheter to the perineum.
c. Use sterile technique to obtain a specimen for culture and sensitivity.
d. Place the drainage bag on the patient's lap while transporting the patient to testing.

Answer 1

A

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A The urinary drainage bag should be emptied at least every eight hours. If large outputs are noted, more frequent emptying will be required.
B The perineum should be cleansed, and then down the catheter for a length of approximately 10 cm.
C Use sterile technique only to collect specimens from a closed-drainage system.
D Avoid raising the drainage bag above the level of the bladder. If it becomes necessary to raise the bag during transfer of the patient to a bed or stretcher, clamp the tubing or empty the tubing contents to the drainage bag first. The drainage bag can be attached to the wheelchair below the level of the patient's bladder for transport. It should not be placed on the patient's lap.