The nurse is reinforcing instructions to a client on collection of a sputum specimen for culture and sensitivity. Which of the following client statements indicate that teaching has been effective? Select all that apply. A)"I should rinse my mouth with water before collecting the sputum." B)"I will be careful not to touch the inside of the specimen cup or lid." C)"I will inhale deeply a few times and then cough forcefully." D)"It is best to collect the sputum mid-day when my secretions are loose." E)"It is helpful if I am sitting upright when I collect the sputum."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sputum culture and sensitivity testing is used to identify infectious organisms in the respiratory tract and determine which antimicrobials are most effective at treating the identified organism. Nurses assisting a client to collect sputum should instruct the client to: Rinse the mouth with water before collecting the sputum sample to reduce bacteria in the mouth and prevent specimen contamination by oral flora (Option A) Rinse the mouth with water before collecting the sputum sample to reduce bacteria in the mouth and prevent specimen contamination by oral flora (Option A) Avoid touching the inside of the sterile container or lid to avoid accidental specimen contamination by normal flora of the skin (Option B) Avoid touching the inside of the sterile container or lid to avoid accidental specimen contamination by normal flora of the skin (Option B) Inhale deeply several times and then cough forcefully, which promotes expectoration of lower lung secretions and increases sample volume (Option C) Inhale deeply several times and then cough forcefully, which promotes expectoration of lower lung secretions and increases sample volume (Option C) Assume a sitting or upright position before specimen collection, if possible, to promote cough strength during collection (Option E) Assume a sitting or upright position before specimen collection, if possible, to promote cough strength during collection (Option E) (Option D) Sputum specimens should be collected early in the morning after awakening, which improves the quality of the sample because secretions accumulate overnight due to cough inhibition. A nebulizer treatment may be prescribed to help mobilize thick secretions. Educational objective: Collection of a sputum specimen by expectoration is a sterile procedure that requires the client to breathe deeply and cough effectively. The nurse should instruct the client to rinse the mouth with water, sit upright, inhale deeply several times, and cough prior to expectorating. The client should avoid touching the inside of the sterile container or lid. Sputum should be collected in the morning to improve sample quality.

The Nurse Is Reinforcing Instructions to a Client on Collection