A nurse is preparing to collect a specimen from a client for a guaiac test. The client asks what the test will detect in his stool. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Choice A Rationale: The correct method for cleansing the area before collecting a midstream urine specimen is to wipe from front to back, not back-and-forth. This is to avoid contamination of the specimen with bacteria from the anal area. The towelette should be used in a single stroke and then discarded to ensure cleanliness.

Choice B Rationale: Using the nondominant hand to spread the labia is a standard practice that allows the dominant hand to manipulate the collection container. This technique helps to prevent contamination of the specimen by keeping the container away from the body and ensuring a clean catch.

Choice C Rationale: It is important to start the flow of urine before collecting the specimen to ensure that the 'midstream' urine is captured. This helps to flush out any bacteria that may be present at the opening of the urethra, reducing the risk of contaminating the sample.

Choice D Rationale: The specimen container should be removed from the stream before stopping the flow of urine to avoid contamination. The initial and final parts of the urine stream can carry bacteria from the urethra and skin, so only the midstream should be collected in the container.

a. Ineffective airway clearance: This is the priority as it addresses the immediate threat to the client's respiratory status. Accumulation of thick, copious secretions can lead to airway

obstruction and respiratory distress.

b. Malnourishment: While important, addressing malnourishment is not an immediate

postoperative priority. The client may receive nutrition through alternative means until normal swallowing function is restored.

c. High risk for infection: Infection is a concern, but ensuring airway clearance takes precedence in the immediate postoperative period.

d. Impaired verbal communication: Verbal communication is important, but it is not as immediate a concern as ensuring the airway is clear to prevent respiratory compromise.