HESI Test Bank Medical Surgical Nursing Related

Review HESI Test Bank Medical Surgical Nursing related questions and content

The nurse is teaching a client how to collect a sputum specimen. Which steps should the nurse instruct the client to follow when collecting sputum?

  • A. Breathe deeply, followed by swallowing.
  • B. Breathe deeply, followed by spitting into a cup.
  • C. Breathe deeply, followed by coughing up the sputum.
  • D. Breathe deeply, followed by clearing the throat.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to breathe deeply followed by coughing up the sputum. This method ensures that the specimen is collected from the lower respiratory tract and is not contaminated by saliva. Choice A (swallowing) does not result in sputum collection, while choice B (spitting into a cup) may lead to saliva contamination. Choice D (clearing the throat) is not an effective way to collect sputum as it may involve getting rid of saliva, not sputum.