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5.25: Skills Checklist- Emptying Catheter Drainage Bag

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    1. Gather Supplies: Gloves, two barriers, graduated cylinder, and alcohol swab
    2. Routine Pre-Procedure Steps:
      • Knock on the resident’s door.
      • Perform hand hygiene.
      • Maintain respectful, courteous, and professional communication at all times.
      • Introduce yourself and identify the resident.
      • Provide for privacy.
      • Explain the procedure to the resident.
    3. Procedure Steps:
      • Put on gloves.
      • Place a barrier (e.g., paper towel or disposable pad) on the floor under the drainage bag.
      • Place the graduated cylinder on the barrier.
      • Open the drain to allow the urine to flow into the graduated cylinder.
      • Avoid touching the tip of the tubing to the sides of the graduated cylinder.
      • Close the drain.
      • Wipe the drain with an alcohol wipe.
      • Wipe the drain holder, if present, with an alcohol wipe.
      • Replace the drain into the holder.
      • Place a clean barrier on a level, flat surface.
      • Place the graduated cylinder on the barrier.
      • With the graduated cylinder at eye level, read the amount of output.
      • Note the characteristics (i.e., color, clarity, sediment, or unusual odor) of the urine.
      • Empty the urine in the graduated cylinder into the toilet.
      • Rinse the graduated cylinder and empty it into the toilet.
      • Return the equipment to storage.
      • Remove the gloves, turning them inside out.
    4. Post-Procedure Steps:
      • Perform hand hygiene.
      • Check for resident comfort and if anything else is needed.
      • Ensure the bed is low and locked. Check the brakes.
      • Place the call light or signaling device within reach of the resident.
      • Open the door and privacy curtain.
      • Perform hand hygiene.
      • Document urinary output in mL and report any issues or changes noted with the resident.

    View a YouTube video[1] of an instructor demonstrating emptying catheter drainage bag:

     

    1. Chippewa Valley Technical College. (2022, December 3). Emptying Catheter Drainage Bag. [Video]. YouTube. Video licensed under CC BY 4.0. https://youtu.be/V2Xq4GWcfow ↵

    This page titled 5.25: Skills Checklist- Emptying Catheter Drainage Bag is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Myra Sandquist Reuter via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform; a detailed edit history is available upon request.