Exam Questions on Respiratory System Related

Review Exam Questions on Respiratory System related questions and content

A sputum study has been ordered for a patient who has developed coarse chest crackles and a fever. At what time should the nurse best collect the sample?

  • A. Immediately after a meal
  • B. First thing in the morning
  • C. At bedtime
  • D. After a period of exercise
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: First thing in the morning. Sputum should be collected in the morning because it is usually more concentrated, making it easier to obtain a good sample. This is important for accurate analysis and identifying potential pathogens causing the patient's symptoms. Collecting sputum immediately after a meal may result in contamination with food particles. At bedtime, sputum may have accumulated overnight, but morning samples are still preferred due to concentration. Collecting sputum after a period of exercise may introduce respiratory secretions not reflective of the underlying condition.