CNA Certification (Written Exam)Basic Nursing SkillsMedium
A nurse aide is instructed to collect a sputum specimen from a resident. Which instruction is most appropriate to give the resident?
- ACough deeply from the lungs and expectorate into the sterile container
- BSwallow several times before spitting into the cup to thin the sample
- CSpit saliva into the container after rinsing the mouth with mouthwash
- DCollect the specimen immediately after eating a meal
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Cough deeply from the lungs and expectorate into the sterile container
A sputum specimen requires material coughed up from the lungs and bronchi, not saliva. The resident should take deep breaths, cough forcefully, and expectorate the sputum directly into a sterile container, ideally first thing in the morning before eating.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Swallowing does not help produce sputum and could interfere with specimen quality.
- C. Saliva is not an acceptable sputum sample and mouthwash can contaminate the specimen.
- D. Specimens should typically be collected before eating, in the morning, not right after a meal.
Sputum Specimen Collection
Sputum specimens are collected by having the resident cough deeply from the lungs and expectorate into a sterile container, distinct from saliva.
- Sputum comes from deep lung cough, not saliva
- Best collected first thing in morning before eating/drinking
- Rinse mouth with water only (not mouthwash) before collecting
Memory trick: 'Deep cough, not drool, fills the sputum tool.'