Editing Fundamentals of Nursing – LPN Practice Questions (section)

==Question 6==
The licensed practical nurse is caring for a patient with an indwelling urinary catheter. Which observation requires action?
# The drainage bag is hanging on the bed frame below the level of the bladder.
# The tubing is secured to the patient's thigh with a securement device.
# The drainage bag is resting on the floor beside the bed after the patient returned from the bathroom.
# The urine is clear and pale yellow.

'''Answer:''' 3. The drainage bag is resting on the floor.

''Rationale:'' A drainage bag on the floor is contaminated and must be lifted, cleaned per policy, and rehung on the bed frame below bladder level. Placement on the floor introduces organisms and, if the bag is later raised above the bladder, urine can flow back toward the bladder. Options 1 and 2 describe correct practice that prevents backflow and urethral traction. Option 4 describes normal urine and requires no action.