Question

question: 52 of 60

a nurse is instructing a male client about a semen analysis to be done for suspected infertility. which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

refrigerate the specimen after collection.
collect the specimen using a condom with spermicidal lubricant.
abstain from ejaculation for at least 2 to 5 days prior to the test.
leave the specimen at room temperature for 3 to 4 hr prior to transport to the laboratory.

Explanation:

Analyze the clinical question

The question asks for the correct instruction a nurse should provide to a male client preparing for a semen analysis to investigate suspected infertility.

Evaluate the options

• Refrigerate the specimen after collection: This is incorrect. Cold temperatures can negatively affect sperm motility and viability. The specimen should be kept close to body temperature.
• Collect the specimen using a condom with spermicidal lubricant: This is incorrect. Spermicidal lubricants will kill or immobilize the sperm, rendering the analysis invalid. If a condom is used, it must be a specially designed non-spermicidal collection condom.
• Abstain from ejaculation for at least 2 to 5 days prior to the test: This is correct. An abstinence period of 2 to 5 days (typically 2 to 7 days depending on specific guidelines) is recommended to ensure an adequate sperm count and volume without compromising motility or morphology.
• Leave the specimen at room temperature for 3 to 4 hr prior to transport to the laboratory: This is incorrect. The specimen must be delivered to the laboratory within 1 hour of collection (ideally within 30 minutes) to ensure accurate assessment of sperm motility.

Formulate the final rationale

Abstinence from ejaculation for 2 to 5 days prior to collection is standard practice to optimize semen parameters (volume, concentration, and motility) for accurate diagnostic evaluation.

Answer:

• Refrigerate the specimen after collection.
• Collect the specimen using a condom with spermicidal lubricant.
• Abstain from ejaculation for at least 2 to 5 days prior to the test. (Correct answer)
• Leave the specimen at room temperature for 3 to 4 hr prior to transport to the laboratory.