Basic Nursing SkillsQuestion 106 of 200

When collecting a stool specimen, the CNA should:

a.Use a tongue blade to transfer the stool from the clean bedpan/specimen hat to the labeled container without contamination from urine or toilet water; label and send promptly per order
b.Transfer the stool with a gloved hand from the bedpan directly into the labeled container
c.Collect the stool together with the urine in one container to make handling easier
d.Add toilet water to the specimen container so there is enough volume for the laboratory

Explanation

Stool collection: use a clean dry bedpan or toilet specimen 'hat' to keep stool free of urine and toilet water (both can invalidate testing). Transfer a portion (about 1 tablespoon for routine; more for ova/parasites) using a tongue blade into the labeled container, cap, and send promptly per order. Wear gloves. Contamination (c, d) invalidates testing; bare hands (b) violate Standard Precautions. Document time, characteristics (color, consistency, blood).

Law Reference: Fundamentals; stool specimen

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