CNA Certification (Written Exam)Basic Nursing SkillsMedium
A nurse aide needs to collect a stool specimen from a resident who also needs to urinate. What is the correct action?
- AHave the resident urinate into the same container as the stool specimen to save time
- BMix a small amount of urine with the stool sample intentionally for volume
- CCollect the stool specimen directly from the toilet bowl after the resident flushes
- DAsk the resident to urinate first, then use a separate container such as a bedpan or specimen hat to collect the stool
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Ask the resident to urinate first, then use a separate container such as a bedpan or specimen hat to collect the stool
Stool specimens should not be contaminated with urine, as this can affect test results. The resident should urinate first into the toilet or a separate container, then have a bowel movement into a clean specimen container such as a bedpan or specimen hat.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Mixing urine and stool contaminates the sample and can invalidate lab results.
- B. Intentionally adding urine contaminates the specimen and is never appropriate.
- C. Collecting from the toilet bowl risks contamination with water and prior urine residue.
Stool Specimen Collection
A stool specimen must be collected without urine contamination, typically by having the resident urinate first, then collecting stool in a clean container like a specimen hat.
- Urine contamination can alter stool test results
- Use a specimen hat or clean bedpan, not the toilet directly
- Label and transport specimens promptly per facility policy
Memory trick: 'Pee first, then poop pure'