CNA Certification (Written Exam)Basic Nursing SkillsHard
A nurse aide is asked to collect a urine specimen from a resident with an indwelling urinary catheter. Which of the following is the correct procedure?
- AAsk the resident to void into a bedpan and collect the specimen from there.
- BDrain urine from the drainage bag into a specimen cup.
- CDisconnect the catheter from the drainage bag and collect urine from the catheter end.
- DClamp the drainage tubing below the port, clean the port, and withdraw urine with a syringe.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Clamp the drainage tubing below the port, clean the port, and withdraw urine with a syringe.
To collect a sterile urine specimen from an indwelling catheter, the tubing must be clamped below the collection port for 15-30 minutes to allow urine to accumulate. The port is then disinfected, and a sterile syringe is used to aspirate urine. This method prevents contamination of the specimen.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A resident with an indwelling catheter is not expected to void into a bedpan; the catheter bypasses normal voiding.
- B. Urine from the drainage bag may not be a fresh, sterile specimen and could be contaminated.
- C. Disconnecting the catheter increases the risk of infection and contamination.
Indwelling Catheter Urine Specimen Collection
A sterile procedure to obtain a urine sample directly from the catheter tubing, not the drainage bag, to ensure an uncontaminated specimen.
- Clamp tubing below port for 15-30 minutes
- Cleanse the specimen port thoroughly
- Use a sterile syringe to aspirate urine
- Do not collect from the drainage bag
- Unclamp catheter after collection
Memory trick: Clamp, Clean, Collect, Unclamp – Keep it sterile, don't use the bag!