Urinary and Specimen Collection Techniques

Flashcards for reviewing key concepts and procedures related to urinary and fecal specimen collection.

What does a Urinary Analysis (UA) check for in urine?

It checks for bacteria, indicating a urinary tract infection (UTI).

What should be worn when collecting samples?

Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Why is urine collected for analysis?

To check for bacteria, sugar levels, kidney function, electrolytes, and drug levels.

What is a clean catch urine sample used for?

To check for a urinary tract infection (UTI).

What is the first step in obtaining a clean catch urine sample?

Clean the resident's peri-area with an antiseptic in a front-to-back motion.

What should you never use to obtain a clean catch urine sample?

A bedpan, urinal, or commode.

What is the procedure to avoid contamination during urine collection?

Clean the peri-area, start and stop voiding, and catch urine mid-stream.

How much urine is generally required for a clean catch sample?

At least 50 mL.

What should you do with the sample after collection?

Place it in a biohazard bag and transport it to the designated area.

What should you collect for residents with kidney stones?

All urine using a commode hat placed in the front half of the toilet.

How should toilet paper be disposed of per instructions for residents collecting urine?

In the wastebasket, not in the commode hat.

What must you do with any stones found after straining urine?

Place them in a labeled container, seal the lid, and bag it in a biohazard bag.

Why are fecal specimens collected?

For residents with digestive problems or diarrheal illnesses.

Can stool samples be collected from commodes or bedpans?

Yes, if they are new and unused.

What should you do before a male resident provides a stool sample?

Have him void in a urinal first.

How should you collect a stool sample?

Use a wooden tongue blade or plastic spoon from three different areas of the stool.

What are special containers used for?

For specimens related to infectious diarrheal illnesses.

What is occult blood?

Hidden blood in the stool.

What tests can be used to detect occult blood?

Stool guaiac, fecal occult blood test (FOBT), Hemosure, and Hemoccult.

What color indicates a positive result for occult blood when using a Hemoccult card?

A blue color.

What should you do if you observe frank or occult blood during toileting?

Do not flush the toilet and inform the nurse immediately.

What is sputum?

Mucous expelled from the lungs, which is thick and colored.

When should sputum specimens be collected?

When the resident coughs, to identify respiratory illnesses.

What should the nursing assistant provide when collecting sputum specimens?

A sterile container.

What principle should be followed during specimen collection?

Principles of collection, transport, and infection control.

What must be done before placing a lid on a specimen container?

Place the lid without touching the inside.

What should the nursing assistant do after collecting a specimen?

Transport it to the nurse or designated storage area.

What method should be used to clean the peri-area for urine collection?

Use an antiseptic towelette in a front-to-back motion.

Why is timing important in urine collection?

Certain tests require specific collection times, like first morning void.

What should be done with unused toilet paper during stool collection?

Dispose of it in the wastebasket.

What does the nursing assistant do with the Hemoccult card after testing for occult blood?

Place it in a biohazard bag and give it to the nurse.

What type of stool sample containers have a spoon attached?

Small tubes with screw tops for infectious diarrheal illnesses.

How do you fill the special container for infectious stool specimens?

Scoop stool into the container, mix with fluid, and fill to the indicated line.

What is necessary to do after collecting a stool sample?

Seal the lid and place it in a biohazard bag.

What should be labeled on the specimen container?

Date, time, resident name, and date of birth.

What should you do after obtaining a sample?

Remove gloves, perform hand hygiene, and transport the sample.

What is the correct way to empty the commode hat after urine collection?

Through a strainer into the toilet and inspect for stones.

How should you label any found kidney stones?

In a labeled container, sealed and in a biohazard bag.

What must be ensured when collecting urine or stool samples?

Avoid contamination with other bodily fluids.

Why is it important for urine samples to be refrigerated?

To preserve them until processing is complete.

What kind of sample is appropriate if a resident cannot provide a clean catch urine sample?

Perform straight catheterization.

What is the role of the nursing assistant during specimen collection?

Reinforce instructions from the nurse and assist the resident as needed.

What is required for urine specimens collected for drug testing?

Follow specific collection protocols as instructed.

What indicates that a urine sample may contain a UTI?

Presence of bacteria detected in the UA.

What technique should be avoided when collecting a clean catch urine sample?

Touching the body with the collection cup during retrieval.

What is the purpose of using a tongue blade during stool collection?

To collect samples from different areas of the stool.

What do you do if a resident cannot start and stop voiding during a urine collection?

Collect the sample after voiding has started, removing the container before it stops.

What should be done with the specimen cup after filling it?

Place the lid on it without touching the inside.

How can you tell if a resident's sputum is contaminated with saliva?

Sputum will be thick and colored, unlike thin and clear saliva.

What action must be taken in case of visible rectal bleeding?

Report it immediately as a medical emergency.

What does collecting all urine for residents with kidney stones help to identify?

The presence of stones within the collected urine.

What is the importance of assembling supplies beforehand for sample collection?

To ensure the process is smooth and efficient.

What should you remind a resident to avoid while using the commode hat?

To discard used toilet paper in the wastebasket instead of the hat.

How can contamination occur in urine collections?

If body contact is made or if prior hygiene is not performed properly.

What features do containers for collecting infectious stool samples have?

Screw tops and attached spoons for mixing samples.

How does a nursing assistant support a resident during a sputum collection?

By providing a sterile container and instructions on sputum collection.

What happens after the specimen collection process is completed?

The sample must be promptly transported to the designated area for testing.

What is the procedure for performing a test for occult blood?

Collect stool samples on two windows of a Hemoccult card and apply developer.

What is the role of a nursing assistant in processing urine specimens?

They assist in collection, labeling, and transport to the nurse.

What must be confirmed before collecting a stool specimen?

That the stool is collected from a new and unused commode or bedpan.

What is the purpose of using a strainer when collecting urine from a resident with kidney stones?

To catch and inspect stones after urine disposal.

What is a key point to remember about the collection of fecal specimens?

Samples can be taken from commodes or bedpans if clean.

What must be done if a nursing assistant is unsure about performing a specific test?

Consult facility protocol regarding their permissions.

What is the result of contamination in urine sample tests?

Inaccurate results indicating bacteria that may not be present in actual urine.

What should be done to the sample if it cannot be processed immediately?

Refrigerate the sample until it can be tested.

What indicates that urine is being collected for drug testing?

Specific collection procedures tailored for drug testing.

What is done upon observing frank blood in the stool?

Notify the nurse without flushing the toilet.

How should you label urine and stool samples?

With important identifiers like date, time, name, and birth date.