Consolidated Political Compass Test (CPCT) Practice Exam 2025 - Free CPCT Practice Questions and Assessment Guide

The correct procedure for emptying a patient's indwelling urinary catheter bag involves using a graduated container or graduate to collect the urine. This method is important for several reasons:

1. **Measurement**: Using a graduated container allows for accurate measurement of the urine volume, which is crucial for monitoring the patient's fluid balance, kidney function, and overall health status. Nurses and healthcare providers often need to track output for diagnostic or treatment purposes.

2. **Hygiene and Infection Control**: Emptying the catheter bag into a graduated container minimizes the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and maintains a higher standard of hygiene. By using a designated and clean container, the risk of contamination is lowered.

3. **Tracking Output Over Time**: Results from a graduated container can be recorded systematically and easily—the nurse can measure the volume and assess trends over time to detect any changes in the patient's condition.

In contrast, the other options do not adhere to the required medical standards. Simply pouring urine down the sink (as in one of the incorrect choices) poses hygiene risks and environmental concerns, while discarding it in the regular trash could spread infection. Therefore, using a graduate for emptying the catheter bag and recording the findings is essential for effective patient care