Basic Nursing SkillsQuestion 107 of 200
Sputum specimen collection is best performed:
a.In the evening after dinner
b.Early morning before eating, drinking, or brushing teeth; have the resident rinse the mouth with water, take deep breaths, then cough deeply (from the lungs, not throat clearing) into a sterile container
c.After the resident has eaten breakfast
d.After the resident has used mouthwash with alcohol
Explanation
Sputum is best collected early morning before eating/drinking/brushing because overnight secretions are most concentrated. Rinse mouth with water (not antibacterial mouthwash, which can alter culture), have the resident take 3-4 deep breaths and then cough from deep in the lungs (saliva is not sputum). Send promptly. Other timings (a, c, d) reduce yield or introduce contamination. Document amount, color, consistency, and odor.
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