A nurse is preparing to obtain a sputum specimen from a male client. Which of the following nursing actions will facilitate obtaining the specimen?
A. Limiting fluid.
B. Having the client take deep breaths.
C. Asking the client to spit into the collection container.
D. Asking the client to obtain the specimen after eating.
Correct Answer: B. Having the client take deep breaths.
To obtain a sputum specimen, the client should rinse the mouth to reduce contamination, breathe deeply, and then cough into a sputum specimen container. To cough deeply from the lungs, the client might need to take three deep breaths before he coughs forcefully.
Option A: Sputum can be thinned by fluids or by a respiratory treatment such as inhalation of nebulized saline or water. Drinking plenty of fluids can help loosen the secretions and make it easier to cough up sputum. The doctor may ask the client to rinse out his mouth with clear water to help get rid of any other bacteria and extra saliva.
Option C: The client should be encouraged to cough and not spit so as to obtain sputum. To be sure the test is accurate, the client must cough up sputum from deep inside the lungs. Sputum from the lungs is usually thick and sticky. Saliva comes from your mouth and is watery and thin. Do not collect saliva.
Option D: The optimal time to obtain a specimen is on rising in the morning. As soon as the client wakes up in the morning (before he eats or drinks anything), he should brush his teeth and rinse his mouth with water. Do not use mouthwash.
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