Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam (NACE) PN-RN Practice Test

What should a nurse do if they cannot transport a stool specimen for suspected Clostridium difficile infection for two hours?

1. Store the specimen at room temperature

2. Store the specimen in the freezer

3. Store the specimen in the refrigerator

4. Discard the specimen and obtain another one later

The correct answer is: Store the specimen in the refrigerator

When dealing with a stool specimen for suspected Clostridium difficile infection, it is essential to maintain the integrity of the sample until it can be transported to the laboratory. Clostridium difficile spores can be sensitive to environmental conditions, and proper storage is crucial for accurate testing. Storing the specimen in the refrigerator is appropriate because it slows down bacterial growth and preserves the viability of the bacteria for testing. Cooler temperatures help to maintain the specimen's stability and prevent degradation that can occur at room temperature. This is particularly important for C. difficile, as it can thrive and multiply if left at room temperature for too long. In contrast, storing the specimen at room temperature may allow for bacterial overgrowth or alteration of the specimen's characteristics, leading to potential false negative results. Freezing the specimen can cause cellular damage and alteration of the specimen's constituents, which also affects testing accuracy. Discarding the specimen would require obtaining a new sample, which may delay diagnosis and treatment. Overall, refrigeration represents a balance of preserving the specimen while preventing deterioration, making it the correct choice in this situation.