A nurse is inserting a catheter into a female patient. When the nurse inserts the catheter, no urine is obtained. The nurse suspects the catheter is not in the urethra.
What should the nurse do?

Choice A rationale

Measuring the bladder before the patient voids would not provide an accurate measurement of postvoid residual, which is the amount of urine left in the bladder after voiding.

Choice B rationale

The position of the head of the bed does not directly impact the measurement of postvoid residual. However, the patient should be in a comfortable position during the procedure.

Choice C rationale

Similar to Choice B, the position of the head of the bed does not directly impact the measurement of postvoid residual.

Choice D rationale

Measuring the bladder within 15 minutes after the patient voids allows for an accurate measurement of postvoid residual, which can help assess bladder function.

Choice A rationale

Discarding the dressing in the bedside trash receptacle is not recommended because it can lead to the spread of infection. The dressing is contaminated with blood and purulent drainage, which are considered biohazardous waste.

Choice B rationale

Double-bagging the dressing in clear bags and labeling it “biohazard” is not sufficient. While it’s important to label biohazardous waste, the dressing should be disposed of in a designated biohazardous waste container.

Choice C rationale

Enclosing the dressing in a single clear plastic bag and discarding it in the bedside trash receptacle is also not recommended. This method does not provide adequate containment for biohazardous waste.

Choice D rationale

Disposing of the dressing in a biohazardous waste container is the correct method. This ensures that the biohazardous waste is properly contained and reduces the risk of spreading infection.