Inspect the urine in the drainage bag or a collected specimen for color, clarity, sediment, and blood; note odor.
Assess the catheter for patency by observing flow and checking for kinks, clamps, and dependent or looped tubing; confirm the bag is below bladder level.
Palpate the suprapubic area for distension and tenderness; perform a bladder scan for post-void residual where available and ordered.
Inspect the catheter insertion or suprapubic stoma site for erythema, drainage, encrustation, and securement.
Assess for edema by pressing over a bony prominence and grading pitting; compare sides and to baseline.
Weigh on the same scale, at the same time of day, in similar clothing, and compare to the prior weight and the target.
Reconcile intake and output where ordered, and review the diuretic and antibiotic regimen and timing.
When infection is suspected, obtain vital signs including temperature and assess mental status against the patient’s cognitive baseline.
