Toileting and Elimination Flashcards

A resident has a urinary catheter and reports burning and pressure around the catheter site. What should the CNA do first?

Answer: Report the complaint to the nurse immediately

Signs of possible UTI or catheter irritation must be reported to the nurse promptly for assessment and intervention.

When emptying a urinary drainage bag, which action is most important to prevent infection?

Answer: Wear gloves and avoid touching the drain spout to any surface

Wearing gloves and keeping the drain spout sterile prevents introduction of pathogens into the urinary system.

A resident with constipation has not had a bowel movement in 4 days. The CNA's priority action is to:

Answer: Report the finding to the nurse and document it

The CNA must report prolonged absence of bowel movements to the nurse; administering medications or performing exams exceeds the CNA scope of practice.

A resident using a bedpan needs privacy. Which action best balances privacy with safety?

Answer: Close the curtain, tell the resident to call when done, and check back within 5 minutes

Closing the curtain provides dignity while checking back within 5 minutes ensures resident safety without abandonment.

When assisting a male resident with a urinal, the CNA should:

Answer: Empty and rinse the urinal each time it is used and allow to air dry

Urinals must be emptied, rinsed, and dried after each use to prevent bacterial growth and cross-contamination.

A resident on a bowel training program should be offered toileting assistance at which time?

Answer: At the same scheduled times each day, especially after meals

Bowel training programs rely on consistent, scheduled toileting — particularly after meals when the gastrocolic reflex is active.

Stool that appears tarry and black should be reported because it may indicate:

Answer: Gastrointestinal bleeding from an upper GI source

Tarry black stools (melena) suggest digested blood from upper GI bleeding and require immediate nursing notification.