Final answer:
The Nursing Assistant must keep the drainage bag lower than the hips or bladder to prevent infections due to urinary backflow. Conditions like cystitis and kidney stones can complicate urine drainage, potentially leading to UTIs and kidney damage. Correct catheter care, including drainage bag positioning, is vital in avoiding these health issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Nursing Assistant should always ensure that the drainage bag is placed lower than the hips or bladder because backflow of urine from the bag or tubing can cause infections. Conditions that can impact proper drainage of urine and increase the risk of bladder infections include cystitis, prostatitis in men, kidney stones, and obstructed urinary catheters. Improper urine drainage can result in a urinary tract infection (UTI), which if left untreated may lead to more serious consequences such as kidney damage.
Kidney stones can also cause obstruction of the ureter, potentially leading to severe pain and other complications. UTIs are commonly treated with antibiotics, but failure to treat them adequately may result in kidney damage. To prevent such complications, proper catheter care and ensuring correct positioning of the drainage bag is essential.