Never raise the drainage bag above the bladder or rest it on the floor.
Before you read
Test yourself first: 5 questions
Question 1 of 5
A client at high risk for a pressure injury needs prevention. Which is a correct measure?
Answer: B. Reposition at least every 2 hours, use pressure-redistribution surfaces, keep skin clean/dry, manage moisture, and offload heels. Leaving the client in one position and massaging reddened areas cause harm.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is teaching a pregnant client about preventing listeriosis, which can cause miscarriage and stillbirth. Which food should the nurse advise the client to avoid?
Answer: A. Listeria is associated with unpasteurized (soft) cheeses, unpasteurized milk, deli meats, and refrigerated smoked seafood. Soft cheeses such as queso fresco made from unpasteurized milk should be avoided. Thoroughly cooked foods, pasteurized milk, and washed produce are safe.
Question 3 of 5
Medication reconciliation is performed primarily to:
Answer: B. Reconciliation compares the client's current medications across transitions of care to prevent omissions, duplications, and interactions — a major error-prevention step.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is reviewing a medication order and reads it as the abbreviation U for units. According to error-prevention guidelines, what should the nurse do?
Answer: B. The abbreviation U is on the ISMP/Joint Commission do-not-use list because it can be misread as a zero, the number 4, or cc, leading to dosing errors. The nurse should clarify and have units written out in full. Assuming it means units or proceeding without clarification risks a tenfold or larger overdose.
Question 5 of 5
During a transfusion, a client suddenly develops dyspnea, crackles, distended neck veins, and a rapid rise in blood pressure. The nurse recognizes which transfusion complication?
Answer: A. These findings indicate transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO), in which the rapid volume infusion overloads the circulation, causing pulmonary congestion and hypertension. The transfusion is slowed or stopped, the head of bed is raised, and a diuretic is often given.
Keep the streak going with more questions like these, each with a full rationale.
What is catheter-associated uti prevention?
The single most effective prevention is avoiding unnecessary catheters and removing them as early as possible. Maintaining a closed, dependent, unobstructed drainage system prevents organisms from ascending into the bladder.
Key points to remember
- Insert indwelling catheters only for valid indications and remove them at the earliest opportunity.
- Early removal is the most effective measure to prevent CAUTI.
- Maintain a sterile, closed drainage system; breaking the closed system raises infection risk.
- Keep the collection bag below the level of the bladder and off the floor to prevent backflow.
- Secure the catheter to prevent traction and keep tubing free of kinks and dependent loops.
- Perform daily perineal and meatal hygiene with soap and water, not antiseptics.
Nursing priorities
- Advocate daily for catheter necessity and prompt removal when no longer indicated.
- Keep the drainage bag below bladder level and the tubing unobstructed.
- Maintain the closed system; empty the bag through the drain port using a clean technique.
- Provide daily perineal hygiene and secure the catheter to prevent tension.
- Perform hand hygiene before and after handling the catheter or drainage system.
Labs & values
Patient teaching
- Keep the drainage bag below the waist and bladder at all times, including when walking.
- Maintain adequate fluid intake unless restricted.
- Report fever, burning, or cloudy urine promptly.
Red flags: report now
- Never raise the drainage bag above the bladder or rest it on the floor.
- Do not disconnect or open the closed drainage system unless absolutely necessary.
- Report new fever, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, or suprapubic pain as possible CAUTI.
References
Clinical references for this topic
