What is the first step you should take if a patient's catheter is not draining?

When addressing the issue of a catheter not draining, the first step is to check the tubing for kinks. This is a crucial action because kinks or bends in the tubing can obstruct the flow of urine, leading to drainage issues. By starting with this simple yet effective assessment, you can often resolve the problem immediately without needing to take more invasive actions or delaying care.

Ensuring that the tubing is straight and free from obstructions is a foundational step in catheter management. If the tubing is not the source of the problem, only then should other options, such as changing the catheter or assessing the patient's hydration status, be considered. Addressing the most straightforward potential cause first helps streamline patient care and minimizes unnecessary procedures.