Methods of Collecting Different Specimens for Routine and Culture Tests: 30 Important MCQs

Methods of Collecting Different Specimens for Routine and Culture Tests

Here are 30 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) on the Methods of Collecting Different Specimens for Routine and Culture Tests suitable for nursing examination of TU IOM.

Methods of Collecting Different Specimens for Routine and Culture Tests

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the most appropriate time to collect a sputum specimen for culture?
A. Before bedtime
B. Immediately after meals
C. Early morning
D. At any convenient time

2. Which of the following is essential before collecting a midstream urine specimen?
A. Provide a full meal
B. Clean the perineal area
C. Drink coffee
D. Take antibiotics

3. For a throat swab culture, the swab should be taken from:
A. The cheeks
B. The uvula
C. The tonsillar area and any inflamed site
D. The lips

4. The best container for stool culture collection is:
A. A sterile glass bottle
B. A covered dish
C. A clean paper towel
D. A sterile, screw-capped container

5. Which of the following would compromise a blood culture?
A. Drawing from peripheral vein
B. Using aseptic technique
C. Collecting after starting antibiotics
D. Collecting multiple samples

6. When collecting a urine sample for culture and sensitivity, the container must be:
A. Washed with soap and water
B. Clean but not sterile
C. Sterile
D. Made of paper

7. How should a specimen for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis be handled?
A. Refrigerate immediately
B. Keep at room temperature
C. Transport on ice
D. Send immediately to lab without delay

8. Which of the following techniques is critical during blood specimen collection for culture?
A. Using an alcohol swab only
B. Using antiseptic such as chlorhexidine
C. Warming the sample
D. Shaking the tube vigorously

9. Which is not recommended when collecting a wound swab for culture?
A. Clean around the wound first
B. Swab the necrotic tissue
C. Use a sterile swab
D. Label the container correctly

10. For accurate tuberculosis diagnosis, sputum samples should be collected:
A. Once only
B. Over three consecutive days
C. Before meals only
D. After brushing teeth

11. A urine culture should be sent to the lab within:
A. 24 hours
B. 2 hours
C. 6 hours
D. 12 hours

12. When collecting a blood culture, how many sets are generally recommended?
A. One
B. Two to three from different sites
C. Four from same vein
D. Three from capillaries

13. Before collecting a throat swab, instruct the patient to:
A. Gargle with antiseptic
B. Brush teeth
C. Avoid eating or drinking for 1 hour
D. Swallow hard

14. A clean-catch midstream urine sample helps reduce:
A. The time taken for the test
B. Contamination from urethra
C. Kidney stone detection
D. Risk of infection during collection

15. What is the main reason for using a sterile container in specimen collection?
A. Prevent spillage
B. Avoid contamination
C. Make it easy to carry
D. Reduce weight

16. When collecting a sample for AFB (Acid-Fast Bacilli), what is the recommended number of specimens?
A. One
B. Two
C. Three
D. Four

17. Which step comes first when collecting a stool specimen for culture?
A. Add preservatives
B. Label the container
C. Explain the procedure to the patient
D. Send to lab

18. When is the best time to collect a vaginal swab?
A. During menstruation
B. Post intercourse
C. 24 hours after intercourse and not during menstruation
D. Immediately after urination

19. The most important precaution while collecting blood samples is to:
A. Talk to the patient
B. Check label after collection
C. Use a clean cotton
D. Avoid needlestick injuries

20. Which of the following would invalidate a urine specimen for culture?
A. Clear appearance
B. Collected in non-sterile container
C. Labeled properly
D. Sent within 1 hour

21. Which of these is not required when collecting specimens for culture?
A. Proper labeling
B. Sterile technique
C. Patient fasting
D. Prompt transportation

22. Why is early morning sputum preferred for TB testing?
A. Easier for patient
B. Contains higher number of bacteria
C. Less contaminated
D. It’s tradition

23. When collecting cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the procedure should be:
A. Done by nursing staff
B. Done without gloves
C. Done by trained professional under aseptic technique
D. Done at bedside by anyone

24. What is the purpose of collecting two blood culture sets from different sites?
A. Save time
B. Check for consistency and reduce contamination
C. Reduce cost
D. Prevent clotting

25. What must be documented after collecting any specimen?
A. Patient’s age
B. Collector’s name and time of collection
C. Nurse’s shift
D. Date of admission

26. To collect an ear swab, the health worker must avoid:
A. Using sterile swab
B. Touching the outer ear
C. Labeling the container
D. Contacting the swab tip with fingers

27. If a specimen container has no label, the specimen should be:
A. Sent to lab with note
B. Discarded and recollected
C. Labeled later
D. Tested anyway

28. Which part of the stool is best for culture?
A. Liquid part
B. Blood-tinged or mucus area
C. Random middle section
D. Top layer only

29. If a patient is unable to expectorate sputum, you should:
A. Skip collection
B. Give mouthwash
C. Perform chest physiotherapy or nebulization
D. Collect saliva

30. A specimen for culture and sensitivity testing must be:
A. Sent without delay
B. Refrigerated overnight
C. Mixed with preservatives
D. Kept in sunlight