Question

for a midstream clean - catch specimen, patients should be instructed to cleanse the genital area ___ using an antiseptic wipe
a from back to front in a single motion
b from front to back in a single motion
c several times from side to side
d back and forth several times from front to back

Explanation:

When collecting a midstream clean - catch specimen, to avoid contamination, patients should cleanse the genital area from front to back in a single motion. This helps prevent bacteria from the anal area (which is at the back) from contaminating the urethral opening (which is at the front). Cleansing from back to front (Option A) would likely carry bacteria from the anus to the urethra. Cleansing back and forth several times from front to back (Option D) may re - introduce bacteria. Cleansing from side to side (Option C) does not follow the anatomical principle of keeping the front (urethral area) clean from the back (anal area).

Answer:

B. from front to back in a single motion