What is the proper technique for emptying and measuring a urinary drainage bag?

• A. Hold bag above bladder level
• B. Clean the drainage port with alcohol; collect urine in a graduated container; replace port; record output; ensure bag is below bladder level
• C. Ensure bag is below bladder level; clean the drainage port with alcohol; collect urine in a graduated container; replace port; record output
• D. Do not clean port

Answer: (C)

The technique being tested is maintaining a closed, sterile drainage process while accurately measuring urine output. Start by keeping the drainage bag below the bladder level so urine drips by gravity and backflow is prevented. Then clean the drainage port with alcohol before opening it to minimize infection risk. Collect the urine in a graduated container to obtain an accurate measurement, and after draining, replace the port to restore the closed system. Finally, record the measured output. This order protects both infection control and measurement accuracy; steps that place the bag above bladder level, skip port cleansing, or fail to reseal the system compromise safety and accuracy.