The nurse is obtaining a throat culture. Which action indicates ...

[rachel9]

The nurse is obtaining a throat culture. Which action indicates correct technique?
 
  1. Inserting the swab into the sterile tube without touching the outside of the container
  2. Inserting a tongue blade to depress the anterior two-thirds of the tongue
  3. Swabbing along the side of the cheek inside the mouth
  4. Swabbing the pharynx gently and quickly, avoiding the tonsils

Question 2

The nurse is collecting a capillary blood specimen. Which statement demonstrates proper technique for this procedure?
 
  1. Clean the site with alcohol, and puncture the finger quickly, then collect the first drop of blood.
  2. If the puncture site is not bleeding, squeeze the finger as firmly as possible without causing pain.
  3. Clean the site with alcohol, puncture the finger, wipe the first drop of blood with gauze, and then collect the specimen.
  4. Puncture the finger in the center of the pad, which is more vascular.

[amynguyen1221]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1

The nurse inserts a tongue blade to depress the anterior third of the tongue, not two-thirds. The swab is inserted without touching the mouth or tongue, and swabs along the tonsils, making sure to contact any areas on the pharynx that are particularly erythematous, or contain exudate. The swab is removed and placed into the container without touching the outside.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 3

The site should be cleaned with an antimicrobial or soap and water, then dried or allowed to dry before puncturing the site. The side of the finger should be punctured, because it is less innervated, and so causes less pain. The first drop of blood should not be used, due to the risk of epithelial contamination. After the first drop is wiped away, the specimen can be collected. To encourage bleeding, the finger can be milked but should not be squeezed, because that would cause hemolysis.