CNA Certification (Written Exam)Infection Control and SafetyMedium
A nurse aide is preparing to empty a urinary drainage bag. Which action best prevents the spread of infection?
- AWearing clean gloves and avoiding contact with the drainage spout.
- BTouching only the outside of the drainage bag.
- CWearing a surgical mask during the procedure.
- DEmptying the bag directly into the toilet without splashing.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Wearing clean gloves and avoiding contact with the drainage spout.
Emptying a urinary drainage bag requires standard precautions due to contact with body fluids. Wearing clean gloves prevents direct contact with urine, and avoiding contact with the drainage spout (which is considered contaminated) minimizes the risk of transferring pathogens.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. While good to avoid touching the outside, the critical part is managing the spout and the urine itself.
- C. A surgical mask is not necessary unless there's a risk of splashing to the face, which is minimized by proper technique.
- D. Emptying into the toilet is correct, but the emphasis should be on preventing splash and maintaining spout sterility. Splashing should be avoided.
Urinary Drainage Bag Emptying
Proper technique for emptying a urinary drainage bag involves standard precautions, including clean gloves and preventing contamination of the drainage spout.
- Wear clean gloves.
- Do not let the drainage spout touch the collection container or floor.
- Empty before it becomes completely full to prevent backflow.
Memory trick: Gloves Guard, Spout Stays Safe, Splash Stops.