A practical nurse is initiating a 24-hour urine collection for a client to evaluate renal function. To ensure the accuracy of the diagnostic test and reduce the risk of sample invalidation, in what order should the nurse implement the following steps?
- 1Provide the client with a collection receptacle for the toilet and explain the procedure.
- 2Instruct the client to empty the bladder completely and discard this initial urine.
- 3Document the exact time of the discarded void as the start of the 24-hour collection period.
- 4Transfer all subsequent voidings into the designated opaque container kept on ice.
- 5Ask the client to void one final time exactly 24 hours after the start time to conclude the collection.
Answer
The correct sequence is to first prepare the client with equipment and instructions, then have them empty their bladder and discard the initial urine, followed by documenting this exact start time. Afterward, all subsequent urine is collected and stored on ice, ending with one final void at exactly the 24-hour mark.
For a 24-hour urine collection, the procedure begins by ensuring client understanding and readiness. The actual collection period must start with an empty bladder, so the first void is discarded and that specific time is noted as the start. All subsequent urine is kept chilled to preserve the sample. Exactly 24 hours later, a final void is obtained and added to the container to capture all urine produced during the time frame.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Proper chronological technique for a 24-hour urine collection ensures the diagnostic validity of the specimen and reduces the risk of having to restart the test.
Estimated Time:1m 0s