Final answer:
The nurse should instruct the patient to wash the genital area, begin urinating, stop, and then continue urination into the collection cup without touching its inside, ideally submitting the sample to the lab within one to two hours.
Step-by-step explanation:
Guidelines for Collecting a Clean-Catch Urine Sample
To collect a clean-catch urine specimen, specific steps should be followed to ensure the sample is contaminant-free. The nurse should instruct the patient to first wash the genital area to minimize bacterial contamination from the skin. Once the area is clean, the patient should begin to urinate, then stop the flow of urine. This initial urine is not collected, as it may contain contaminants. After stopping the flow momentarily, the patient should continue urinating into the collection cup, making sure to avoid touching the inside of the cup with their hands to prevent contamination. Approximately half a cup of urine should be collected for the sample.
It is important to note that urine should not be kept in a dry warm area if there is a delay; instead, it should be stored in a cool environment to prevent overgrowth of bacteria. A urinalysis requires fresh samples, so the collected urine should be sent to the laboratory as soon as possible, ideally within one to two hours. If a delay is anticipated beyond this time frame, refrigeration may be necessary to preserve the sample's integrity.
Remember, clear urine production rates will vary based on fluid intake and environmental factors. There should be no blood in the urine unless it's due to expected factors like menstrual contamination. Understanding the gross anatomy of urine transport, including the role of the ureters, bladder, and urethra, is key in the overall process of urine production and excretion.