Arizona Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Test

What should a nurse aide do first if a resident has only produced about 50 ccs of urine in the last six hours?

1. Check to see if the tubing is kinked or bent

2. Report the output to the nurse

3. Increase the resident's fluid intake

4. Prepare the resident for a possible catheterization

The correct answer is: Check to see if the tubing is kinked or bent

In situations where a resident has significantly low urine output, the first and most appropriate action is to check for any obstructions, such as kinks or bends in the tubing. This step is critical because a kinked catheter can impede urine flow, leading to misinterpretation of the resident's actual urinary output. By confirming that the tubing is clear and functioning properly, the nurse aide can eliminate this potential issue before taking further steps. If the tubing is found to be unobstructed, then it would be appropriate to proceed to report the output to the nurse or consider other interventions. However, resolving the mechanical issue takes precedence as it directly influences the resident's hydration and overall health. Such a proactive measure can help ensure that the resident receives the appropriate care and that any necessary medical interventions are determined based on accurate data.