A nurse is collecting a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity from a client who has an indwelling urinary catheter. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A Reason:

Measuring the intake and output of a client who has received furosemide is correct. This task involves recording and measuring fluid intake and output, which is typically within the scope of practice for assistive personnel. It requires accurate documentation and doesn't involve making clinical judgments.

Choice B Reason:

Reinforcing teaching with a client about crutch-gait walking is incorrect. Teaching and instructing clients about specific medical procedures or techniques usually require specialized knowledge and assessment skills, typically within the nurse's scope of practice.

Choice C Reason:

Checking a client's peripheral IV site for redness or swelling is incorrect. Assessing for redness or swelling at an IV site involves clinical judgment and assessment skills to identify potential complications. This task is better suited for a licensed nurse who can interpret findings and take appropriate action if needed.

Choice D Reason:

Assessing the pain level of a client who has received acetaminophen is incorrect. Assessing pain levels involves subjective interpretation and understanding of pain scales, which generally falls under the scope of licensed healthcare providers who can evaluate and manage pain interventions based on assessments.

Choice A Reason:

Urinating after the specimen collection is incorrect. While it's important to ensure urine doesn't contaminate the stool specimen during collection, the instruction to urinate after the collection doesn't directly impact the collection process itself. The primary focus is on avoiding contamination of the stool sample with urine or toilet tissue during collection.

Choice B Reason:

Placing 1.3 cm (0.5 in) of formed stool into a culture tube is incorrect. The amount of stool needed for a specimen can vary based on the specific test requirements or laboratory instructions. A fixed measurement, like 1.3 cm of formed stool, might not accurately represent the necessary quantity for all types of stool tests. Specific instructions from the healthcare provider or laboratory should be followed for proper collection.

Choice C Reason:

Keeping the specimen in a warm area is incorrect. Stool specimens are typically collected and stored at room temperature unless otherwise specified by specific test instructions. Placing the specimen in a warm area could alter the characteristics of the sample or promote bacterial growth, potentially affecting test accuracy. The specimen should be handled according to the specific requirements outlined for the particular test.

Choice D Reason:

Avoid placing toilet tissue in the bedpan after defecation is correct. Placing toilet tissue in the bedpan after defecation can contaminate the stool specimen, affecting the accuracy of test results. It's important to collect the stool sample without any contamination from toilet tissue or urine.