Florida Home Health Aide Competency Practice Test

If a patient's catheter is not draining, what should you check first?

1. Call your supervisor

2. Empty the drainage bag

3. Inspect the tubing for kinks

4. Inform the nurse immediately

The correct answer is: Inspect the tubing for kinks

When addressing a situation where a patient's catheter is not draining, the first step is to inspect the tubing for kinks. This is crucial because kinks or twists in the catheter tubing can obstruct the flow of urine, leading to inadequate drainage. By checking for kinks, you can often resolve the issue quickly without needing further intervention. Kinking is a common and easily fixable problem, and addressing it first is a practical approach. If the tubing is clear and free of any obstructions, further steps can be taken, such as calling a supervisor or informing a nurse if the situation does not improve. Other options, like emptying the drainage bag or immediately informing the nurse, may not address the root cause of the drainage issue and could delay resolving the problem effectively.