Assignment task: Answer the following questions to enhance your understanding and apply what you have learned about laboratory specimen collection.
1. The nurse explained to Mr. Conklin the procedure for obtaining the required urine specimens. Unfortunately, it becomes clear that the patient is too confused at this time to follow the directions and obtain the specimen by himself. How would you handle this situation? How would you successfully obtain an uncontaminated specimen from a patient who is unable to cooperate?
2. Huana Yon's health care provider provides pre- and postappointment education and information for the patients in the practice. Part of the nurse's responsibilities when contacting patients before their scheduled visit is to provide information related to anticipated laboratory tests and any necessary patient preparation. What information would you include if you were calling this patient before her visit in relation to collecting a stool specimen for occult blood? What medications or other habits would you question her about? What information would you give her to prepare for the test?
3. The nurse assigned to Mrs. Yeletsky questions her about her blood glucose testing at home. Mrs. Yeletsky states, "I never really figured out how to work the machine they gave me the last time I saw the doctor. The buttons are too small, and I can't see the writing on the screen very well. Besides, I'm only a little diabetic." What additional information would you want to obtain from this patient? How would you address her possible lack of understanding regarding diabetes? What interventions could you attempt to aid her in managing her blood glucose levels? What other aspects of her health habits would you want to assess?