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 D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Inverting the tube 5 to 7 times may not be sufficient to mix the blood thoroughly with the EDTA. This could lead to partial clotting and potentially inaccurate test results. The EDTA anticoagulant works by binding calcium ions, which are necessary for blood clotting. Without adequate mixing, the EDTA may not be evenly distributed, leaving some areas of the blood sample able to clot.
Choice B Reason:
Inverting the tube only 2 to 4 times is inadequate for proper mixing. This minimal agitation would likely result in clot formation because the anticoagulant would not be sufficiently mixed with the blood. Clots can interfere with the accuracy of hematological tests by trapping cells and altering the specimen's composition.
Choice C Reason:
Inverting the tube 1 to 3 times is clearly insufficient and would almost certainly lead to clotting. The purpose of inverting the tube is to ensure that the EDTA coats all the blood cells, preventing coagulation. Such a low number of inversions would not allow for the anticoagulant to perform its function effectively.
Choice D Reason:
Inverting the tube 8 to 10 times is the recommended practice. This number of inversions ensures that the blood is fully mixed with the EDTA, preventing clot formation and preserving the integrity of the sample for accurate laboratory analysis. It is important to perform these inversions gently to avoid hemolysis, which can also affect test results. Hemolysis occurs when red blood cells are damaged and their contents leak out, which can happen if the blood is shaken too vigorously.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Immunization schedules are not regulated by OSHA. They are typically overseen by public health agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States. These agencies provide guidelines on when and which vaccines should be administered to various populations.
Choice B reason:
Patient privacy is primarily regulated by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), not OSHA. HIPAA sets the standard for protecting sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without the patient's consent or knowledge.
Choice C reason:
The accuracy of laboratory results falls under the purview of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), which are federal regulatory standards that apply to all clinical laboratory testing performed on humans in the United States, except for clinical trials and basic research.
Choice D reason:
Universal precautions are indeed regulated by OSHA. These are a set of infection control practices used to prevent transmission of diseases that can be acquired by contact with blood, body fluids, non-intact skin (including rashes), and mucous membranes. These precautions are designed to protect workers from exposure to diseases spread by blood and certain body fluids.
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