A nurse is preparing to collect a stool specimen from a client for laboratory testing. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when collecting the specimen?

A. Wait for 4 hr before sending the specimen to the laboratory: Delaying the transport of stool specimens can affect test results by allowing bacterial growth or degradation of components. Specimens should be sent promptly or refrigerated if there is a delay.

B. Avoid collecting the specimen from areas of the stool that contain blood: If testing for occult blood or infection, areas with blood should be included because they provide important diagnostic information, so avoiding them is incorrect.

C. Transfer the specimen to a cup without it touching the outside of the container: Maintaining specimen integrity and preventing contamination is essential. The nurse should ensure the stool does not contact the outside of the container to avoid spreading pathogens and ensure accurate testing.

D. Collect at least 7.62 cm (3 in) of the client's stool: Collecting such a large amount is unnecessary; usually a smaller amount (about 1 inch or walnut size) is sufficient for testing, so this choice is incorrect.

A. Ask the assistive personnel to document the client's time of death: Documenting the time of death is a critical nursing responsibility and should be done by the nurse or healthcare provider, not delegated to assistive personnel. Accurate documentation is essential for legal and medical records, especially when an autopsy is planned.

B. Wear sterile gloves when cleaning the client's body: Sterile gloves are not necessary for routine postmortem care; clean gloves are sufficient. Sterile gloves are reserved for invasive procedures to prevent infection, whereas postmortem care focuses on hygiene and respect for the deceased.

C. Place an identification tag on the outside of the client's shroud: Proper identification of the deceased is crucial, especially when an autopsy is required. Placing an identification tag on the shroud ensures correct identification during transport and handling, preventing misidentification and maintaining respect for the client.

D. Remove the client's dentures and give them to the client's family: Dentures should typically remain in the client's mouth during postmortem care to preserve facial structure and appearance. Removing them can alter the deceased’s appearance, which may be distressing to the family and is generally avoided unless specifically requested.