Final answer:
The first step a nurse aide should take if there is no urine in the drainage bag is to check for kinks in the tubing to ensure urine can flow freely to the bag.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a nurse aide notices that there is no urine in the drainage bag of a resident with an indwelling urinary catheter, the first step they should take is to check for kinks in the tubing. Kinks can prevent urine from reaching the bag, and resolving this issue could restore proper urinary function. It is also essential to ensure that the catheter is functioning correctly and that the resident does not have any complications such as urinary tract obstruction or a bladder infection. If the catheter and tubing appear normal and issues persist, further medical assessment may be necessary.