A practical nurse is preparing to collect a sterile urine specimen for culture and sensitivity from a client's indwelling urinary catheter. To reduce the risk of sample contamination and client infection, in what order should the nurse perform the following actions? (Arrange the steps in the correct sequence from first to last.)
- 1Clamp the drainage tubing below the aspiration port for 15 to 30 minutes.
- 2Scrub the aspiration port with an antimicrobial swab and allow it to dry.
- 3Attach a sterile syringe to the port and withdraw the accumulated urine.
- 4Transfer the urine from the syringe into a sterile specimen container.
- 5Remove the clamp from the drainage tubing.
Answer
The correct sequence is to first clamp the tubing to collect urine, clean the port, withdraw the sample with a syringe, transfer it to a sterile cup, and finally unclamp the tubing.
The collection of a sterile urine specimen from a closed urinary drainage system requires strict aseptic technique to prevent introducing bacteria into the client's bladder and to ensure the laboratory results are accurate. First, the tubing is clamped to collect freshly produced urine. Next, the port must be disinfected before access. A sterile syringe is then used to withdraw the sample from the clean port. The sample is transferred to a sterile cup, and finally, the tubing must be unclamped to prevent urinary retention and potential kidney damage from backflow.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Sterile Specimen Collection from a Closed Drainage System