Which of the following instructions should a phlebotomist provide to a patient who is collecting a urine specimen for culture?
"Capture the initial stream of urine."
"Clean the genital area prior to collection."
"Fill the container to capacity."
"Label the lid prior to collection."
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason:
Capturing the initial stream of urine, also known as the "first catch," is not recommended for a urine culture. This part of the urine stream can contain contaminants from the urethral opening and is not ideal for culture testing, which requires a clean sample.
Choice B reason:
Cleaning the genital area prior to collection is crucial for obtaining a clean-catch urine specimen. This reduces the risk of contamination from bacteria that are normally present on the skin around the urinary opening. Patients should be instructed to use antiseptic wipes to clean the area before collecting the urine sample.
Choice C reason:
Filling the container to capacity is not necessary and is not a specific instruction for urine culture collection. The focus should be on obtaining a midstream sample after the genital area has been cleaned, which provides a more accurate representation of the urine for culture purposes.
Choice D reason:
Labeling the lid prior to collection is an important step in the process to ensure proper identification of the specimen. However, it is not the primary instruction related to the actual collection of the urine sample. The label should include the patient's name, date, and time of collection and should be done after the sample is collected to avoid confusion or contamination.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
The patient's condition is a critical factor as it can influence the ease of blood collection and the choice of collection site. For example, a dehydrated patient may have less accessible veins. Patient age is also important; pediatric and geriatric patients may require different approaches due to vein size and fragility. The blood volume required for testing must be considered to ensure sufficient sample size without compromising patient safety, adhering to guidelines that limit blood collection to a certain percentage of the patient's total blood volume.
Choice B Reason:
While patient height and gender may influence the choice of blood collection site, they are not as critical as the factors listed in choice A. Patient medications are important to consider, as some medications may affect coagulation or the integrity of the sample.
Choice C Reason:
The ordering physician's preferences may be considered, but they are not a primary factor in the method of collection. The number of tests ordered and the diagnosis can influence the volume of blood needed but are secondary to the patient's condition and safety considerations.
Choice D Reason:
The time of day and the timing of the specimen collection can be important for certain tests that are time-sensitive or influenced by diurnal variations. The test status, whether routine or stat, may affect the urgency of collection but not necessarily the method of collection.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Collecting the specimen in an SST (serum separator tube) is not suitable for ABG (arterial blood gas) analysis. SST tubes are used for chemistry tests that require serum separation after centrifugation and are not designed for the preservation of blood gases.
Choice B reason:
Placing the specimen in ice is the correct action when transporting a specimen for ABG analysis. Cooling the specimen slows down metabolic processes, which can alter the levels of gases and pH in the blood if not promptly analyzed. This is particularly important if there is a delay expected in the analysis of the ABG specimen.
Choice C reason:
Collecting the specimen in sodium citrate is not appropriate for ABG analysis. Sodium citrate is an anticoagulant used in coagulation studies and would interfere with the measurement of blood gases and pH levels in an ABG analysis.
Choice D reason:
Inserting the specimen in a light-resistant package is not a standard requirement for ABG specimens. While protecting specimens from light is important for certain types of tests, such as those for bilirubin, it is not necessary for ABG analysis.
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