The healthcare provider prescribes a 24-hour urine specimen to be collected for creatinine clearance. The client is eager to go home and tells the nurse that the first sample was put in the urinal 2 hours ago. Which action should the nurse implement?

Choice A reason: Emptying the sample into the 24-hour container is incorrect because the first void must be discarded to ensure accuracy. Once the first sample is missed or discarded improperly, the collection is invalid. Choice B reason: Observing the sample for sediment does not address the problem. Sediment analysis is not part of creatinine clearance testing, and this action would not ensure accurate results. Choice C reason: Starting the collection with the next void is the correct action. The 24-hour urine collection must begin after discarding the first void, and all subsequent urine must be collected for the next 24 hours. This ensures accurate measurement of creatinine clearance. Choice D reason: Beginning the collection the next day is unnecessary. The nurse can simply restart the collection with the next void, avoiding unnecessary delay in diagnosis and treatment.