What step should the nurse take to obtain a vaginal specimen for a culture?

A) Apply sterile gloves.
B) Assist the patient to a side-lying position.
C) Collect discharge from the perineum on the same swab.
D) Insert the swab to 1 inch into the orifice and rotate before removal.

Vaginal Specimen

A sample taken from the vagina for medical examination or testing, often used to detect infections or changes in cells.

Sterile Gloves

Gloves that have been treated to eliminate all forms of microorganisms and are used to prevent contamination in medical procedures.