The health care provider orders a clean-catch urine specimen for culture and sensitivity testing for a patient with a suspected urinary tract infection (UTI). Which of the following actions should the nurse implement to obtain the specimen?
- A. Teach the patient to clean the urethral area, void a small amount into the toilet, and then void into a sterile specimen cup.
- B. Have the patient empty the bladder completely, and then obtain the next urine specimen that the patient is able to void.
- C. Insert a short, small 'mini' catheter attached to a collecting container into the urethra and bladder to obtain the specimen.
- D. Clean the area around the meatus with a povidone-iodine swab, and then have the patient void into a sterile container.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Teach the patient to clean the urethral area, void a small amount into the toilet, and then void into a sterile specimen cup best describes the technique for obtaining a clean-catch specimen. The answer beginning, 'insert a short, small, 'mini' catheter attached to a collecting container' describes a technique that would result in a sterile specimen, but a health care provider's order for a catheterized specimen would be required. Using povidone-iodine before obtaining the specimen is not necessary and might result in suppressing the growth of some bacteria. And the technique described in the answer beginning 'have the patient empty the bladder completely' would not result in a sterile specimen.
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The nurse is caring for a patient with diabetic nephropathy who is scheduled for a right renal biopsy. Immediately after the biopsy, which of the following actions is essential?
- A. Monitor the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine to assess renal function.
- B. Check blood glucose to assess for hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia.
- C. Insert a straight catheter to check for gross or microscopic hematuria.
- D. Apply a pressure dressing and keep the patient prone for 30-60 minutes.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: After the procedure, a pressure dressing is applied, and the patient is kept prone for 30-60 minutes. Usually bed rest is prescribed for 24 hours. The blood glucose and BUN/creatinine will not be affected by the biopsy. Although monitoring for hematuria is needed, there is no need for catheterization.
Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take first when admitting a patient who has a history of neurogenic bladder as a result of a spinal cord injury?
- A. Ask about the usual urinary pattern and any measures used for bladder control.
- B. Assist the patient to the toilet at scheduled times to help ensure bladder emptying.
- C. Check the patient for urinary incontinence every 2 hours to maintain skin integrity.
- D. Use intermittent catheterization on a regular schedule to avoid the risk of infection.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Before planning any interventions, the nurse should complete the assessment and determine the patient's normal bladder pattern and the usual measures used by the patient at home. All the other responses may be appropriate, but until the assessment is complete, an individualized plan for the patient cannot be developed.
The nurse is caring for a patient with an elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine who is scheduled for a renal arteriogram. Which of the following bowel preparation prescriptions should the nurse question?
- A. Fleet enema
- B. Tap-water enema
- C. Bisacodyl tablets
- D. Castor oil
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: High-phosphate enemas, such as Fleet enemas, should be avoided in patients with elevated BUN and creatinine because phosphate cannot be excreted by patients with renal failure. The other medications for bowel evacuation are more appropriate.
The nurse is reviewing the results of a patient's urinalysis. Which of the following information indicates that the nurse should notify the health care provider?
- A. pH 6.2
- B. Trace protein
- C. WBC: 20-26/hpf
- D. Specific gravity: 1.021
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The increased number of white blood cells (WBCs) indicates the presence of urinary tract infection or inflammation. Normal WBC result in a urinalysis report is 0-5/hpf. The other findings are normal.
The nurse is preparing a patient for an intravenous pyelogram (IVP) and obtains the following information. Which information has the most immediate implications for the patient's care?
- A. The patient describes allergies to shellfish and penicillin.
- B. The patient has not had anything to eat or drink for 8 hours.
- C. The patient complains of costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness.
- D. The patient used a bisacodyl tablet the previous night.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Iodine-based contrast dye is used during IVP and for many computed tomography (CT) scans. The nurse will need to notify the health care provider before the procedures so that the patient can receive medications such as antihistamines or corticosteroids before the procedures are started. The other information also is important to note and document but does not have immediate implications for the patient's care during the procedures.
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