All skills
Vital Signs

Measures and Records Urinary Output

Read the volume markings on the urinary drainage bag while the bag stays HUNG ON THE BED FRAME below the level of the bladder (gravity drainage prevents backflow and infection). Or empty the bag into a graduated cylinder for precise measurement. Record volume in mL.

5-7 minutes•10 steps•3 critical
Bag stays below the bladder. Read at eye level. Empty, rinse, record.

Why this matters

Bag stays below the bladder. Read at eye level. Empty, rinse, record.

Quick tips

  • Bag stays HUNG on the bed frame BELOW the bladder — never lift it (reflux = infection risk)
  • Read at EYE LEVEL to avoid parallax error
  • Empty, rinse, and dry the graduate after every use

Common mistakes

  • Lifting the bag above bladder level (urine backflow = CAUTI risk)
  • Reading the volume from an angle (parallax error)
  • Forgetting to record color, clarity, and any sediment
  • Reusing an un-rinsed graduate between residents