Final answer:
The disadvantage of the free catch method of obtaining a urine sample is C) Contamination from the urethra, from areas around the urethral opening, and from the lower genital tract.
Step-by-step explanation:
This can lead to inaccurate test results and make it difficult to diagnose certain urinary tract infections. When urine is collected using the free catch method, it is often contaminated with bacteria from these areas. This can lead to inaccurate test results and make it difficult to diagnose certain urinary tract infections.
In contrast, using a clean-catch urine sample is a preferred method for obtaining a more accurate urine sample. With this method, the patient cleans the genital area, urinates a small amount into the toilet, then collects a clean-catch sample midstream, avoiding contact with the genital area. The correct answer is C. Contamination from the urethra, from areas around the urethral opening, and from the lower genital tract is a disadvantage of the free catch method of obtaining a urine sample.