A practical nurse is assisting a female client in collecting a clean-catch midstream urine specimen for a culture and sensitivity test. Arrange the steps of the procedure in the correct chronological order.
- 1Perform hand hygiene and apply clean gloves.
- 2Cleanse the urethral meatus from front to back using antiseptic wipes.
- 3Instruct the client to initiate voiding a small amount of urine into the toilet.
- 4Pass the sterile specimen container into the urine stream to collect the sample.
- 5Secure the lid onto the container without touching the inside.
Answer
The correct sequence begins with hand hygiene and gloving, followed by cleansing the meatus, initiating the urine stream into the toilet, collecting the midstream sample in the cup, and finally securing the container lid.
To collect an uncontaminated clean-catch urine specimen, the nurse must first perform hand hygiene and don gloves. Next, the perineal area is cleansed from front to back to remove surface bacteria. The client is then instructed to void a small amount into the toilet to flush the urethra. The sterile container is placed in the active urine stream to catch the sample. Finally, the lid is secured tightly without touching the inside to maintain specimen sterility.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Proper technique for clean-catch midstream urine specimen collection to prevent contamination.