The Nurse Is Performing a Genital Examination on a Male

The nurse is performing a genital examination on a male patient and notices urethral drainage. What should the nurse do when collecting urethral discharge for microscopic examination and culture?

A) Ask the patient to urinate into a sterile cup.
B) Ask the patient to obtain a specimen of semen.
C) Insert a cotton-tipped applicator into the urethra.
D) Compress the glans between the examiner's thumb and forefinger, and collect any discharge.