Final answer:
A nurse collects a sterile urine specimen using a syringe by attaching it to the catheter's sampling port after cleansing it, not from the urine collection bag due to sterility concerns. The specimen is transferred to a labeled, sterile container and sent to the lab promptly to avoid alterations in its characteristics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Collecting a Sterile Urine Specimen Using a Syringe
To collect a sterile urine specimen using a syringe, a nurse must use aseptic technique to avoid contamination. The specimen should not be obtained from the urine collection bag as it is not sterile and may contain bacteria that have risen from the bag's drainage system. Instead, sterile urine is typically collected directly from the catheter itself. After hand hygiene and donning sterile gloves, the nurse should cleanse the sampling port on the catheter with an antiseptic wipe. A syringe is then attached to the port, and urine is withdrawn. The urine is then transferred into a sterile specimen container, which should be correctly labeled with the patient's details. It is crucial to follow these steps meticulously to ensure the integrity of the urine sample for accurate laboratory analysis.
Storing and Handling Urine Specimens
Once collected, the urine specimen should be sent to the laboratory as soon as possible. If there will be a delay, the specimen may be refrigerated to prevent bacterial growth but should not be stored for extended periods as this can alter the characteristics of the urine. As you have learned about in the section on Gross Anatomy of Urine Transport, urine is a byproduct of blood filtration, and its analysis can provide valuable insights into a patient's health, including potential infections or diseases. Therefore, proper handling and storage of urine specimens are critical components of patient care.