Question

a nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for collection of a sputum specimen for culture and sensitivity. which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take when obtaining the specimen? collect the specimen upon arising in the morning. force fluids during the day and collect the specimen in the evening. collect the specimen after antibiotics have been started. collect 2 ml of sputum before sending the specimen to the laboratory.

Explanation:

Collecting a sputum specimen for culture and sensitivity is best done upon arising in the morning as overnight secretions are more concentrated and likely to contain the causative organism. Forcing fluids and collecting in the evening dilutes the specimen. Specimens should be collected before antibiotics are started to avoid inaccurate results. A minimum of 5 - 10 mL of sputum is usually required.

Answer:

Collect the specimen upon arising in the morning.