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WorksheetsLesson 34.1: Collecting Specimens Objectives
Total questions: 30
Worksheet time: 15mins
You are training a new nursing assistant. Which action best applies PRIDE when collecting a sputum specimen from a patient with limited mobility?
Collect quickly without discussion
Ask family to obtain specimen
Position safely and explain steps
Hand the cup and wait silently
Match each specimen type with its primary collection consideration.
Urine specimen
Use clean-catch or timed collection
Stool specimen
Avoid urine contamination of sample
Sputum specimen
Collect from deep respiratory tract
Blood glucose test
Verify meter calibration and timing
A resident requires reagent strip testing of urine. Plan the steps to ensure valid results.
Check expiry, follow timing, compare colors
Stir strip in urine for five minutes
Cut strip to fit cup, then dip
Dip and read immediately without timing
A provider orders a specimen to help manage a patient’s condition. Which action best aligns with the purpose of specimen collection?
Collect to train new laboratory staff
Collect to guide disease prevention strategies
Collect to satisfy billing department requests
Collect to document hospital inventory levels
You must decide where to perform a glucose test for a patient with unstable vitals. Which plan shows sound reasoning about test location?
Perform at bedside for rapid clinical decisions
Transport patient to lab for every sample
Delay testing until requisition is printed
Always send to lab regardless of urgency
Match each statement to laboratory or bedside testing based on typical practice.
High-volume analyses using specialized equipment
Laboratory testing
Point-of-care checks for immediate treatment
Bedside testing
Requires requisition slip with patient details
Laboratory testing
A blood sample is ready to be sent out. What documentation is required to accompany specimens sent to the laboratory?
A completed requisition slip
A verbal report from nurse
A discharge summary copy
A pharmacy medication list
Which urine specimen is most appropriate for routine urinalysis in an ambulatory clinic when timing is not critical?
Catheterized specimen from indwelling line
First morning urine specimen only
Random urine specimen collected anytime
Midstream specimen after 12 hours fasting
A midstream (clean-catch) urine specimen primarily aims to reduce which problem during sample collection?
Contamination by urethral flora
Precipitation of urinary crystals
Hemolysis of red blood cells
Evaporation of volatile solutes
Match each urine collection type with its best clinical use.
Random specimen
Routine urinalysis screening
Midstream specimen
Culture to evaluate infection
24-hour specimen
Quantifying analytes over a day
Catheter specimen
Collection when voiding is not possible
You must collect a patient's creatinine clearance sample. Which collection plan is correct?
Obtain a single midstream afternoon sample
Collect first void only after waking
Use a reagent strip at each voiding only
Collect all urine for 24 hours in one container
A provider orders urinalysis with reagent strip testing. Which parameter is NOT typically assessed by these strips as described:
Glucose and ketones
Serum sodium level
Presence of blood
Urine pH level
Which situation most strongly indicates using a urinary catheter specimen rather than a clean-catch sample?
Patient cannot void independently
Monitoring urine pH daily
Checking for ketones after exercise
Screening for routine urinalysis
Plan a sequence for obtaining a midstream clean-catch specimen that minimizes contamination.
Perineal cleanse, initiate voiding, collect midstream
Collect first drops, then cleanse perineum thoroughly
Start voiding into cup, finish into toilet
Insert catheter briefly, then collect midstream
Reagent strip tests can support several bedside checks. Which combination aligns with common uses listed?
Testing for pH
Testing for infection indicators
Testing for blood
Testing for glucose and ketones
Which action best prevents urine from contaminating a stool specimen during collection for laboratory analysis?
Void first into the same collection container
Rinse urine from stool with tap water
Use one device for voiding and bowel movement
Collect urine and stool together for convenience
A clinician orders an occult blood test on a patient’s stool. What is the primary screening purpose of this test?
Screen for colon cancer and digestive disorders
Detect dehydration from gastrointestinal fluid loss
Identify parasitic infections and food intolerances
Measure dietary iron intake over several days
Match each stool specimen concept to its correct description.
Occult blood
Hidden blood not visible to the eye
Warm stool
Specimen delivered promptly after passage
Manufacturer’s instructions
Procedure details vary by test kit
Abnormal content
Fat, microbes, worms, or blood
You are planning a stool collection for a test requiring a warm specimen. Which plan best meets the test requirement while maintaining specimen integrity?
Collect stool and deliver to lab immediately
Mix stool with urine to maintain temperature
Refrigerate stool for several hours before delivery
Freeze specimen to preserve its properties
A patient has minor gastrointestinal bleeding that is not visible. Which testing approach is most appropriate to detect it during routine screening?
Schedule a sputum cytology analysis
Send a fasting blood glucose sample
Order a urine dipstick for hematuria
Use a stool occult blood test kit
A patient brings a cup of clear spit after gently drooling. Which action best distinguishes sputum from saliva for an adequate respiratory sample?
Accept the saliva as a sputum specimen
Ask for deep cough from bronchi and trachea
Collect after a meal with warm fluids
Add mouthwash to reduce oral microbes
Match each item with the correct description related to sputum specimens.
Sputum
Expelled respiratory mucus
Saliva
Oral secretion not acceptable
Primary sources
Bronchi and trachea via coughing
Morning collection
Typically easier to obtain
A clinician plans to evaluate a sputum sample for several purposes. Which set correctly reflects typical analyses?
Electrolytes, hormones, and enzymes
Arterial gases, CO2, and pH
Blood, microbes, and abnormal cells
Allergens, vitamins, and minerals
You are coaching a patient on producing a sputum specimen. Which step most increases the likelihood of obtaining true sputum rather than saliva?
Rinse mouth and spit gently
Take deep breaths, then cough up mucus
Chew gum to stimulate secretion
Sip water and whisper softly
A unit wants to improve specimen yield. Plan the collection timing to optimize success while minimizing patient discomfort. What scheduling choice aligns with best practice?
Late afternoon after heavy activity
Immediately after lunch with fluids
Early morning before oral intake
At bedtime after toothbrushing
Which statement best explains the primary clinical purpose of routine blood glucose testing for a person with diabetes?
To determine need for venous blood transfusions
To confirm capillary blood is oxygen-rich
To check hydration status after skin puncture
To guide regulation of medications and diet plans
A nurse must obtain capillary blood for glucose measurement. Which action correctly describes how this specimen is typically collected?
Perform a skin puncture and collect a blood drop
Insert a venous catheter for continuous sampling
Use saliva swab for noninvasive glucose
Apply a tourniquet and draw from an artery
Match each term with its description in blood glucose testing.
Capillary blood
Specimen used for point-of-care glucose
Skin puncture
Technique to access capillary circulation
Fingertip site
Most common location for puncture
Diabetes management
Adjusting drugs and diet using results
You are planning a point-of-care glucose test for an adult. Choose the most appropriate collection site to balance accuracy and practicality.
Fingertip of the hand
Earlobe cartilage
Upper arm biceps
Heel of the foot
A patient’s recent glucose readings are consistently high. Which adjustment would most likely be made in response to these results?
Switch to venous sampling without reason
Increase frequency of skin cleansing only
Stop testing until symptoms disappear
Modify drug regimen and dietary intake
