A practical nurse (PN) is preparing to collect a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity from a client with an indwelling urinary catheter. Arrange the steps of this procedure in the correct chronological order to minimize the risk of contamination and client injury. All options must be used.
- 1Clamp the drainage tubing below the specimen port for 15 to 30 minutes.
- 2Cleanse the specimen port with an antiseptic wipe and allow it to dry.
- 3Attach a sterile syringe to the port and withdraw the urine sample.
- 4Transfer the urine into a sterile specimen cup without touching the inside.
- 5Unclamp the drainage tubing to restore urine flow to the collection bag.
Answer
First clamp the drainage tubing, then cleanse the specimen port, attach a sterile syringe to withdraw the urine, transfer the urine into a sterile cup, and finally unclamp the drainage tubing.
Collecting a urine specimen from an indwelling catheter requires maintaining a closed, sterile system to reduce the risk of infection and ensure an accurate laboratory result. First, the tubing must be clamped to allow fresh urine to collect. Once sufficient urine is present, the port is cleansed immediately before access to ensure sterility. The urine is then aspirated with a sterile syringe and safely transferred to a sterile cup. The most critical safety step concludes the procedure: unclamping the tubing to restore urinary flow and prevent dangerous bladder distention.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Maintaining a closed urinary drainage system and preventing complications during specimen collection.