CNA Certification (Written Exam)Basic Nursing SkillsMedium
A nurse aide is asked to collect a sputum specimen. Which instruction should the nurse aide give to the resident to ensure a good quality specimen?
- AAsk the resident to spit saliva into the container upon waking.
- BHave the resident rinse their mouth with mouthwash before collecting the specimen.
- CInstruct the resident to cough deeply after a deep breath and expectorate into the container.
- DTell the resident to clear their throat and collect the discharge.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Instruct the resident to cough deeply after a deep breath and expectorate into the container.
A sputum specimen needs to come from the lungs, not just the mouth or throat. Deep breathing and a forceful cough are necessary to bring up secretions from the lower respiratory tract, ensuring a diagnostic-quality specimen.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Saliva is not sputum and will not provide a diagnostic sample from the lungs.
- B. Rinsing with mouthwash can kill bacteria and contaminate the specimen, rendering it unsuitable for culture.
- D. Clearing the throat typically produces pharyngeal secretions, not true sputum from the lungs.
Sputum Specimen Collection
A sputum specimen must be collected from the lower respiratory tract by having the resident take deep breaths and cough deeply, expectorating into a sterile container.
- Not saliva; must be from lungs.
- Collected after deep breath and cough.
- Sterile container, no mouthwash prior.
- Best collected first thing in the morning.
Memory trick: Deep Breath, Deep Cough, Sputum From the Lungs.