When collecting a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity from a client with an indwelling urinary catheter, what is the correct action?

Withdrawing 3 to 5 mL of urine from the port of an indwelling urinary catheter is the appropriate action when collecting a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity. This method is essential because it ensures that the urine collected is fresh and minimizes contamination from urine that may have been stagnant in the drainage bag.

Using the port on the catheter allows for a more accurate representation of the current urinary tract state, which is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment. It is important to cleanse the port with antiseptic before withdrawing the specimen to reduce the risk of introducing external bacteria into the sample.

The other options do not align with best practices for urine collection in this context. Collecting urine from the drainage bag may result in contamination, as urine can sit for extended periods, allowing for bacterial growth. Clamping the catheter before collection is unnecessary and could lead to bladder distension or discomfort for the patient, while instructing the client to void into a sterile container is not suitable when an indwelling catheter is present, as it bypasses the purpose of the catheter and does not provide a sample from the urinary tract itself.