A practical nurse (PN) is assisting a client with collecting a sputum specimen for culture and sensitivity. To ensure an accurate diagnostic sample and reduce the risk of sample contamination, in what order should the PN instruct the client to perform these steps?
- 1Rinse the mouth with plain water.
- 2Take several deep breaths and then cough deeply.
- 3Expectorate the sputum directly into the sterile cup.
- 4Secure the lid tightly without touching the inside of the cup.
- 5Place the labeled cup into a biohazard transport bag.
Answer
The correct sequence for collecting a sputum specimen is: rinse the mouth, take deep breaths and cough, expectorate into the sterile cup, secure the lid, and place in a biohazard transport bag.
To obtain an accurate sputum culture and prevent contamination, the client must first rinse with plain water to clear resident oral flora. Next, taking deep breaths and coughing helps bring up lower respiratory secretions. The sputum is then expectorated directly into a sterile cup, which is sealed carefully to maintain sterility. Finally, it is placed in a biohazard bag to prevent transmission of infectious agents during transport.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Proper specimen collection sequences are essential to reduce the risk of sample contamination and ensure accurate diagnostic results.
Estimated Time:1m 0s