A nurse is caring for a client who has an indwelling urinary catheter.

The nurse notes that sediment is present in the urine.

Which of the following actions should the nurse take to obtain a sterile urine specimen?

A noncoring needle is a special type of needle that has a beveled tip and a side hole. It is designed to prevent damage to the port’s septum, which is the soft silicone top that serves as the vein access point. A noncoring needle also reduces the risk of infection and clotting.

Choice A is wrong because a butterfly needle is a small, winged needle that is used for peripheral venous access, not for accessing a port. A butterfly needle can damage the port’s septum and cause leakage or infection.

Choice B is wrong because an angiocatheter is a thin, plastic tube that is inserted into a vein using a needle.

It is used for short-term IV therapy, not for accessing a port. An angiocatheter can also damage the port’s septum and cause complications.

Choice C is wrong because a 25-gauge needle is too small to access a port.

A 25-gauge needle is typically used for subcutaneous injections, not for intravenous injections. A 25-gauge needle can also clog the port or cause hemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells).

Normal ranges for ports vary depending on the type and size of the port, but generally they have a reservoir diameter of 1.5 to 2.5 cm, a catheter length of 40 to 60 cm, and a catheter diameter of 0.8 to 1.2 mm. Ports are usually flushed with saline or heparin solution every 4 to 6 weeks when not in use to prevent clotting.

This statement indicates an understanding of the teaching because it reflects the principle of supply and demand in breastfeeding. The more the baby stimulates the breast, the more milk the mother will produce.

Choice B is wrong because manually expressing milk will not decrease the milk supply. In fact, it can help increase the milk supply by removing more milk from the breast and signaling the body to make more.

Choice C is wrong because the breast is not emptied after 5 to 10 minutes of feeding. The baby should be allowed to nurse until they are satisfied and show signs of fullness, such as releasing the nipple, falling asleep, or turning away from the breast. The average duration of a feeding session can vary from 10 to 45 minutes.

Choice D is wrong because the baby should not always start on the same breast when feeding. The mother should alternate which breast she offers first to ensure both breasts are stimulated and drained equally.

This can help prevent engorgement, mastitis, and low milk supply. A simple way to remember which breast to start with is to wear a bracelet or a clip on the bra strap on the side that needs to be offered next.