Adult Health 1 Exam 1 Related

Review Adult Health 1 Exam 1 related questions and content

When assisting a client to obtain a sputum specimen, the nurse observes the client cough and spit a large amount of frothy saliva in the specimen collection cup. What action should the nurse implement next?

  • A. Advise the client that suctioning will be used to obtain another specimen
  • B. Re-instruct the client in coughing techniques to obtain another specimen
  • C. Provide the client a glass of water and mouthwash to rinse the mouth
  • D. Label the container and place the container in a biohazard transport bag
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: After observing the client cough and produce frothy saliva in the collection cup, the nurse should provide the client with a glass of water and mouthwash to rinse the mouth. This action helps clear the mouth of contaminants, ensuring a more accurate sputum specimen for diagnostic testing. Option A is incorrect because suctioning is not the appropriate next step in this situation. Option B is unnecessary as re-instructing the client in coughing techniques may not address the immediate issue of contaminated saliva in the specimen. Option D is premature since labeling and transporting the container should only be done after obtaining a valid specimen.