A practical nurse (PN) is assisting a female client with collecting a midstream clean-catch urine specimen for a culture and sensitivity test. In which order should the PN perform or instruct the client to perform the following steps? (Arrange from first to last)
- 1Cleanse the perineal area from front to back using antiseptic wipes.
- 2Begin voiding a small amount of urine directly into the toilet.
- 3Pass the sterile container into the urine stream to collect the specimen.
- 4Secure the lid tightly and apply the client label to the container.
Answer
The correct sequence is: cleanse the perineum, begin voiding into the toilet, collect the midstream urine, and finally secure and label the container.
To obtain an uncontaminated midstream clean-catch urine specimen, the urethral meatus must first be cleansed from front to back to remove external bacteria. The client then initiates the urine stream into the toilet to flush the distal urethra of any remaining flora. The sterile container is then introduced into the midstream flow to capture the most representative bladder sample. Finally, the container is sealed to prevent leaks and properly labeled for accurate processing.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Specimen Collection: Midstream Clean-Catch Urine