Specimen Collection in Nursing

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of intra-test procedures?

Performing diagnostic tests and collecting specimens (correct)

Preparing the client for the test

Reporting test results to team members

Comparing previous and current test results

What is the purpose of measuring capillary blood glucose?

To detect ova and parasites

To measure blood pressure

To measure current blood glucose level (correct)

To analyze dietary products and digestive secretions

What is an important instruction to give to a client when collecting a stool specimen?

Void after specimen collection

Defecate in a clean bedpan or bedside commode (correct)

Eat a heavy meal before specimen collection

Contaminate the specimen with urine

What is a responsibility of the nurse during intra-test procedures?

Providing emotional and physical support to the client Signup and view all the answers

What is a post-test activity?

Comparing previous and current test results Signup and view all the answers

What is an important aspect of specimen collection?

Practicing aseptic technique Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a pre-test assessment?

To determine the client's need for the test Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to note relevant information during specimen collection?

To ensure accurate test results Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to discard toilet tissue when collecting a stool specimen?

To prevent fecal contamination of the specimen Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of collecting a 24-hour urine specimen?

To assess kidney function and detect disorders in glucose metabolism Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct procedure for collecting a clean-voided urine specimen?

Discard the first voided specimen and collect the second Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a urinalysis?

To determine the presence of glucose and ketones in the urine Signup and view all the answers

How long does the collection period for a 24-hour urine specimen typically last?

24 hours Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a sputum specimen?

To identify a specific microorganism and determine drug sensitivities Signup and view all the answers

How long should you wait after dipping the reagent strip in urine before comparing its color with the color chart?

30 seconds Signup and view all the answers

What should you do with the lid of the urine specimen container?

Put it on lightly Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of pre-test assessment in diagnostic testing?

Client preparation Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to know if a client is pregnant during pre-test assessment?

To ensure special precautions or postpone the test Signup and view all the answers

What type of information can be obtained from laboratory resources during pre-test assessment?

Resources information Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of obtaining a capillary blood specimen?

To measure blood glucose levels Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct procedure for collecting a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity?

Clean catch method Signup and view all the answers

What type of specimen collection requires a concerned form?

Some specific tests that require informed consent Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to ask clients about their medication regimen during pre-test assessment?

To determine if medications need to be withheld or given during the test Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of post-test care in diagnostic testing?

Client education and follow-up Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of collecting serial specimens in cytology?

To identify cancer in the lung and its specific cell type Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to wear gloves and PPE during sputum collection?

To prevent the transmission of tuberculosis Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of offering mouth care to the client before collecting a sputum specimen?

To prevent contamination of the specimen with microorganisms from the mouth Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the nurse during specimen collection?

Ensuring appropriate collection of samples Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of collecting specimens at the best time possible?

To ensure the accuracy of the test results Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the specimen container if it comes into contact with the outside?

Disinfect the container Signup and view all the answers

What information should be documented in the client's chart after sputum collection?

The amount and color of the sputum Signup and view all the answers

What type of specimen collection is used to diagnose tuberculosis?

Sputum collection Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a throat swab culture?

To detect the presence of bacterial or fungal infections in the throat Signup and view all the answers

What is the duration required to collect a sputum specimen?

2-3 days Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a stool specimen and culture?

To identify disease-causing bacteria in the feces Signup and view all the answers

What is urinalysis?

Physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of urine Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a urine specimen and culture?

To examine the compounds present in the urine Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common infection detected through a throat swab culture?

Tonsillitis Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a stool specimen and culture?

To identify parasites and ova in the feces Signup and view all the answers

What is examined in urinalysis?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Diagnostic Testing

Pre-test assessment involves focusing on client preparation, assessment, and data collection to determine communication and teaching strategies.
Assessment and data collection include biologic, psychological, sociological, cultural, and spiritual aspects.
It's essential to know if the client is pregnant, as special precautions may be necessary or the test may need to be postponed.
The nurse must know what equipment and supplies are needed for the specific test.

Specimen Collection and Testing

Nurses are responsible for providing client comfort, privacy, and safety during specimen collection.
They must explain the purpose of the test, practice aseptic technique, and follow correct procedure.
Relevant information, such as medication that may affect results, must be noted.
Specimens must be transported promptly and abnormal findings reported.

Stool Specimens

The purpose of stool specimens is to determine the presence of occult blood, analyze dietary products and digestive secretion, detect ova and parasites, and detect bacteria or viruses.
Instructions for stool collection include:
- Defecating in a clean bedpan or bedside commode
- Not contaminating the specimen with urine or menstrual discharge
- Voiding before specimen collection
- Not placing toilet tissue in the bedpan after defecation
- Sending the specimen immediately
- Collecting 2.5 cm / 1 in or 15-30 mL of stool

Urine Specimens

Clean voided urine specimens are used for routine urinalysis and clean-catch or midstream urine specimens for urine culture.
The first voided specimen is usually collected in the morning.
The specimen must be free from fecal contamination.
The container must be labeled correctly, and the lid placed lightly.

24-Hour Urine Collection

The purpose of 24-hour urine collection is to assess the ability of the kidneys, determine disorders of glucose metabolism, and measure specific constituents such as albumin, amylase, creatinine, urobilinogen, or certain hormones.
The collection period is 1-2 hours to 24 hours.
The client must void and discard the initial urine, then save all urine produced during the collection period.

Urine Testing

Urine testing includes specific gravity, pH, and the presence of glucose, ketones, protein, and occult blood.
The principle of urine testing involves dipping the reagent strip into the urine for 2 seconds, removing excess urine, and waiting for exactly 30 seconds before comparing the color with the color chart on the test strip container.

Sputum Specimens

The purpose of sputum specimens is to identify microorganisms and drug sensitivities.
The specimen is collected by coughing up 4-10 mL of sputum.
The nurse must offer mouth care to prevent contamination, wear gloves and PPE, and ensure the sputum does not contact the outside container.

Throat Culture

A throat culture is used to check for the presence of bacteria or fungal infections in the throat.
The sample is collected from the mucosa of the oropharynx and tonsillar region using a culture swab.

The Basic Guidelines for Specimen Collection

Specimens must be collected at the best time possible, such as early morning sputum for AFB culture.
Appropriate collection devices, such as sterile, leak-proof specimen containers, must be used.
Expiration dates must be checked before inoculating the collection device.
The test request form must be filled out fully, and the specimen labeled properly.
There must be a suitable time between collection of the specimen and delivery to the lab.

The Role of Nurses in Specimen Collection

Nurses are responsible for ensuring appropriate collection of samples, precise sample identification, and selecting suitable supplies for collection.
They must also ensure timely transfer of the specimen to the lab and interact with patients during the process.

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Description

This quiz assesses understanding of specimen collection in a nursing context, including types of specimens, collection methods, and nursing responsibility. Topics include stool, urine, sputum, and throat specimens, as well as capillary blood specimen collection.