# A client with an indwelling urinary catheter needs a urine culture. Which collection method should the nurse use?

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=397331&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Safe Use of Equipment  
> category: SIPC

## Question

A client with an indwelling urinary catheter needs a urine culture. Which collection method should the nurse use?

## Option

1. Cleanse the sampling port and aspirate fresh urine with a sterile syringe. **✔ Correct answer**
2. Collect urine from the drainage bag at the end of the shift.
3. Disconnect the catheter tubing and pour urine into a sterile cup.
4. Ask the client to void around the catheter into a specimen hat.

**Correct answer: 1**

## Explanation

For a small fresh specimen from an indwelling catheter, urine should be aspirated from the disinfected sampling port using sterile technique. Drainage bag urine is old and contaminated. Disconnecting the system increases infection risk, and voiding around the catheter is not appropriate.

## In-depth explanation

Clinical Judgment
Use the client cues, timing, labs, and safety risks to select the response that best fits Urine specimen from catheter.

Memory Tip
Match the strongest cue cluster to the safest nursing judgment.

KR vs US
NCLEX items reward cue-based priority thinking rather than isolated recall.

## Clinical scenario

Clinical Practice Guide
For Urine specimen from catheter, compare the complete cue pattern with the client's current stability, ordered data, and expected nursing scope.

Caution
Do not choose an action from one isolated cue when the full scenario changes priority or safety.

## Key concepts

- **CAUTI** — Catheter-associated urinary tract infection.
- **Sampling Port** — The catheter system site designed for sterile urine specimen collection.
- **Sterile Syringe** — A sterile device used to aspirate a fresh specimen without opening the drainage system.

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