Specimen Collection Review Exam 2025

1. A diabetic client is scheduled to have a finger stick glucose level. Which of the following steps is of most importance to obtain a blood sample: - Place the lancet firmly against the side of the fingertip. 2. A patient has been ordered a 24-hour urine collection. The urine is accidentally contaminated by the patient after 22 hours of collection. What is the first nursing action? - Contact the MD and inform them of the contamination. 3. Before administration of contrast media, the nurse will assess if the client: - Is allergic to iodine. 4. The correct technique for obtaining a specimen for a throat culture is to use a sterile applicator and swab on the: - Tonsil area and pharynx. 5. The nurse can obtain a sterile urine specimen by two methods. One is using a straight urine catheter into the bladder. The second method is to remove the urine from the: - Port of the indwelling catheter. 6. The physician has ordered a clean-catch urine specimen for a client. Which of the following steps should the nurse implement to prevent contamination of the sample: - Ensure perineum is cleansed prior to obtaining any urine samples. 7. The process for collecting the blood specimen for measuring blood glucose levels begins by asking the client to hold the selected arm at his side for 30 seconds and then collecting the specimen from the: - Side of the finger. 8. When collecting a 24-hour urine specimen, the nurse will have the client void when the specimen is started. This first specimen is: - Collected and discarded. 9. Which nursing action is essential before a chest X-ray is performed? - Remove ALL metal jewelry. 10. A nurse is caring for a client requiring a stool test for occult blood. Which ofthe following nursing interventions should be performed to obtain accurate results? - Apply a small amount of stool on both the first and the second boxes. 11. A nurse is preparing to perform a urinary catheterization to obtain a urine specimen for a client. The client tells the nurse that she is concerned about her privacy during the procedure. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to alleviate the client's concern? - Close the door and cover the client during the procedure. Rationale: The client has expressed her concern for privacy. The nurse should use both verbal and nonverbal communication to respond therapeutically. Closing the door and covering the client during the procedure will provide for her privacy. 12. A nurse is obtaining a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity via a straight catheterization. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? - Use a sterile specimen container. Rationale: A urine specimen for culture and sensitivity requires a sterile specimen from a straight or indwelling catheter. The nurse should use a sterile specimen container to prevent contamination of the specimen by micro-organisms outside of the bladder. 13. A nurse is reinforcing teaching a client who is scheduled for a barium swallow to evaluate dysphagia. Which of the following statements should indicate to the nurse that the client understands the instructions? - “I will drink plenty of fluids after the test.” Rationale: The client should drink plenty of fluids after the barium swallow to promote elimination of the barium and prevent constipation. 14. A client who is scheduled for a barium swallow asks a nurse why a laxative is necessary following the procedure. Which of the following responses should the nurse make? - “It helps eliminate the barium.” 15. A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who is to have a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. The nurse should tell the client that, in addition to the iliac crest, a common site for this procedure is which of the following? - Sternum 16. A nurse is assisting with the plan of care for a client who had an upper endoscopy 1 hr. ago. The nurse should place the priority on monitoring which of the following? - Gag reflex. Rationale: The greatest risk after this procedure is aspiration. Testing for the gag reflex will prevent aspiration. 17. A nurse is preparing a client for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Which of the following statements should the nurse include when reinforcing teaching? - “You will have to remove all metal objects, such as body jewelry and watches.” 18. A nurse is preparing a client who has advanced cirrhosis for an abdominal paracentesis. Which of the actions should the nurse take? - instruct the client to empty their bladder. Rationale: reduces the risk of bladder damage during paracentesis. 19. A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled to undergo thoracentesis. In which of the following positions should the nurse place the client for the procedure? - sitting, leaning forward over the bedside table. Rationale: Thoracentesis is aspiration of fluid or air from the pleural space. The nurse should place the client in a sitting position and leaning over a bedside table to ensure that the diaphragm is dependent. This facilitates the removal of accumulated fluid, which tends to pool in the bases of the pleural space. 20. A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has diabetes mellitus about using a glucometer to monitor her blood glucose. Which of the following actions should the nurse identify as an indication that the client understands the instructions? - use the side of the fingertip as the puncture site. The side of the fingertip is less painful, and more vascular. 21. The health care provider has ordered a stool specimen for blood that is not possible to see with the naked eye. What does this exam detect? - occult blood 22. In the assessment of a patient's urine sample, what will the nurse consider an abnormal finding? - bloody mucus 23. When is the best time to collect a sputum sample from a client? - in the morning upon wakening. 24. A nurse is caring for a client scheduled for a bone marrow biopsy. The client expresses fear about the procedure and asks the nurse if the biopsy will hurt. Which of the following responses should the nurse make? - "The biopsy can be uncomfortable, but we will try to keep you as comfortable as possible." Rationale: This response is therapeutic because it gives the client the information that she needs to cope and reassures the client of the plan to address her comfort and allows for further communication of concerns by the client.