A nurse is planning care for a toddler who has epiglottitis.

Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?

Obtain the specimen from the retention port. This is because the retention port is a sterile site that can be accessed by a syringe to aspirate urine without contaminating the specimen or the closed drainage system. The retention port should be cleaned with an alcohol swab before inserting the syringe. The specimen should be transferred to a sterile container and labeled appropriately.

Choice A is wrong because unclamping the collection port below the bag would allow urine to flow out of the bag, which is not sterile and may contain bacteria or sediment. Choice C is wrong because disconnecting the catheter from the collection tubing would break the closed drainage system and increase the risk of infection. Choice D is wrong because using the balloon port to obtain the sterile specimen would deflate the balloon that holds the catheter in place and cause trauma to the bladder wall.

Normal ranges for urine characteristics vary depending on the type of analysis, but some general parameters are:

• Color: pale yellow to amber
• Clarity: clear or slightly cloudy
• Odor: faint aromatic
• pH: 4.5 to 8.0
• Specific gravity: 1.005 to 1.030
• Protein: <150 mg/24 hr
• Glucose: negative
• Ketones: negative
• Blood: negative
• Nitrites: negative
• Leukocyte esterase: negative
• Bacteria: <10,000 CFU/mL

Choice A option

Fibrinogen level: Fibrinogen is a protein involved in the blood clotting process, but in this case, it is not appropriate because is not the primary laboratory test used to monitor warfarin therapy. Monitoring fibrinogen levels is more relevant in assessing bleeding disorders or certain medical conditions.

Choice B option

PTT (Partial Thromboplastin Time): PTT is another laboratory test used to evaluate blood clotting function, particularly the intrinsic pathway of the clotting cascade. PTT is not routinely used to monitor warfarin therapy; it is more commonly used to monitor other anticoagulant medications like heparin.

Choice C option

The nurse should plan to report the client's INR (International Normalized Ratio) to obtain a prescription for the client's daily warfarin. INR is a critical laboratory test used to monitor the effectiveness and safety of warfarin therapy.

Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication commonly prescribed to prevent and treat blood clots. It works by interfering with the body's ability to use vitamin K to form blood clots. Monitoring the INR is essential because it indicates how long it takes for the blood to clot, and it helps determine if the client's warfarin dosage needs adjustment to achieve the desired level of anticoagulation.

Choice D option

Platelet count: Platelet count is essential to assess the number of platelets in the blood, which are crucial for normal clotting. However, platelet count monitoring is not the primary focus when prescribing warfarin. It is typically used to evaluate thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) or other conditions affecting platelet function.