A nurse is planning to collect a stool specimen from an infant to check for the presence of ova and parasites. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Obtain the specimen by swabbing the infant's rectum using a sterile culture swab.
Place a urine collection device on the infant until the specimen is obtained.
Transfer the specimen to the collection container using povidone-iodine-soaked gauze.
Maintain the specimen at room temperature after collection until it is transferred to the lab.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Obtain the specimen by swabbing the infant's rectum using a sterile culture swab. This is the correct choice. When collecting a stool specimen from an infant, the rectal swab method is commonly used. A sterile culture swab helps prevent contamination and ensures accurate results for detecting the presence of ova and parasites in the stool.

Choice B rationale:
Place a urine collection device on the infant until the specimen is obtained. This choice is not appropriate for collecting a stool specimen. A urine collection device is used for collecting urine, not stool. The specimen for ova and parasites needs to be taken directly from the rectum or diaper to accurately identify any infestations.
Choice C rationale:
Transfer the specimen to the collection container using povidone-iodine-soaked gauze. While povidone-iodine is an antiseptic, it is not typically used to transfer stool specimens. Using a sterile swab or a clean, dry container is more suitable for collecting and transporting stool samples to the lab.
Choice D rationale:
Maintain the specimen at room temperature after collection until it is transferred to the lab. Stool specimens for ova and parasites usually require refrigeration to prevent the degradation and growth of potential pathogens. Room temperature might lead to the overgrowth of bacteria and parasites, affecting the accuracy of test results.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Contact precautions are indicated when the client has a condition that can be easily transmitted through direct contact with the client or their environment. Measles, which is an airborne disease, requires more stringent precautions due to its mode of transmission.
Choice B rationale:
The correct choice. Measles is spread through airborne particles, making airborne precautions necessary. These precautions include placing the client in a negative pressure room, wearing appropriate respiratory protection (e.g., N95 mask), and ensuring that healthcare providers are properly protected from inhaling infectious particles.
Choice C rationale:
A protective environment is a specialized form of isolation used for clients with compromised immune systems, such as those undergoing stem cell transplants. It involves maintaining a sterile environment to prevent the introduction of pathogens. This level of precautions is not applicable to clients with measles.
Choice D rationale:
Droplet precautions are appropriate for diseases that are transmitted through respiratory droplets generated by coughing, sneezing, or talking. Measles, however, is transmitted through smaller airborne particles that can remain suspended in the air for longer periods, making airborne precautions the most suitable choice.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Hct 45% (Choice A) refers to the hematocrit level, which measures the proportion of blood volume occupied by red blood cells. While dehydration can lead to elevated hematocrit due to hemoconcentration, a hematocrit value of 45% is within the normal range for both males and females. Dehydration might cause a mild increase, but more significant elevations would be expected in cases of severe dehydration.
Choice B rationale:
Urine specific gravity 1.035 (Choice B) is an indicator of concentrated urine, which is a characteristic finding in dehydration. Dehydration reduces the body's water content, leading to more concentrated urine with higher specific gravity values. A normal range for urine-specific gravity is typically between 1.005 and 1.030.
Choice C rationale:
Capillary refill of less than 2 seconds (Choice C) is not a finding consistent with dehydration. Capillary refill time measures the time it takes for color to return to the nailbed after pressure is applied. Prolonged capillary refill time might indicate poor peripheral perfusion, which can be a sign of dehydration, but a refill time of less than 2 seconds is considered within the normal range.
Choice D rationale:
A urine output of 35 ml/hr (Choice D) is not indicative of dehydration. In fact, a urine output of 35 ml/hr is relatively normal and suggests adequate fluid intake and hydration. Dehydration would typically result in reduced urine output as the body conserves water.
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