Basic Nursing SkillsQuestion 107 of 200
Sputum specimen collection is best performed:
a.After the resident has rinsed with an alcohol-based mouthwash, so the sample is not contaminated by mouth bacteria
b.After breakfast, when warm fluids have loosened the secretions and the resident can clear the throat easily
c.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
d.In the evening after dinner, when the resident is tired and coughs more readily into the container
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, b, d) reduce yield or introduce contamination. Document amount, color, consistency, and odor.
Law Reference: Fundamentals; sputum specimenThis topic, taught in full in the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) guide. CNA — Complete Study Guide (2026) — PDF + EPUB, $19.99 · 14-day refund →
Practice all 200 questions free — no signup required.
Own the complete Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) guide — PDF + EPUB, $19.99 →
Related questions on this topic
- When weighing a resident on a standing scale, the CNA should:
- The supine position is:
- When collecting a stool specimen, the CNA should:
- Tympanic temperature is taken by:
- Active range-of-motion (AROM) exercises differ from passive ROM in that:
- Which observation during meal time should the CNA report to the nurse immediately?
Last reviewed: · editorial process
PrepPass team · Verified against California CNA Certification Exam · How we review