Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Prometric Practice Exam

To determine a resident's urine output, what should the nurse do with the urine in the collecting bag?

1. Drain the urine into a measure container

2. Leave the urine in the bag until the shift ends

3. Measure the urine after each bowel movement

4. Dispose of the urine immediately

The correct answer is: Drain the urine into a measure container

To accurately determine a resident's urine output, draining the urine into a measuring container is essential. This practice allows for precise measurement of the volume of urine collected, which is critical for assessing the resident's hydration status and kidney function. Collecting and measuring urine in a separate container enables caregivers to monitor trends in urinary output over time, which can aid in identifying any potential issues such as dehydration or renal impairment. The other options do not facilitate proper monitoring and assessment. Leaving urine in the collecting bag until the end of the shift could lead to inaccurate measurements, as the total volume would be unrecorded or misrepresented. Measuring urine after each bowel movement is not a standardized practice and could lead to inconsistencies, as it does not account for all urine produced throughout the shift. Disposing of urine immediately would prevent any possibility of measurement, which is counterproductive for patient monitoring. Therefore, draining urine into a measuring container is the correct and effective method for assessing urine output.