A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client about how to collect a stool specimen. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because the client should urinate before the specimen collection to avoid contaminating the stool with urine.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because the specimen should be kept in a cool area to prevent bacterial growth and decomposition.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because the client should place at least 2.5 cm (1 in) of formed stool or 15 to 30 mL of liquid stool into a culture tube.

Choice D reason: This is correct because the client should avoid placing toilet tissue in the bedpan after defecation to prevent interfering with the laboratory analysis of the stool.

The correct answer is d. Using two gloved fingers to open the client’s mouth for cleaning. This action is unsafe as it risks injury to both the AP and the client. A padded tongue blade should be used instead.

Choice A reason:

Using an oral care sponge swab moistened with cool water to clean the client’s mouth is appropriate. Oral care sponge swabs are designed to clean the mouth gently and effectively, especially for unconscious patients.

Choice B reason:

Wearing clean gloves to perform mouth care for the client is a standard precaution to prevent infection. Gloves protect both the caregiver and the patient from potential infections.

Choice C reason:

Lowering the side rail on the side of the bed where they will stand to perform mouth care is necessary to safely access the patient. It allows the AP to perform the task without straining or risking injury.

Choice D reason:

Using two gloved fingers to open the client’s mouth for cleaning is unsafe. This method can cause injury to the AP if the patient bites down reflexively. A padded tongue blade should be used to safely open the mouth.