Moderate

A nurse is collecting an early-morning sputum specimen from a patient being investigated for pulmonary tuberculosis. Which instruction is correct?

Correct answer: A. Rinse the mouth with water, then cough deeply into the sterile container

  • A. Rinse the mouth with water, then cough deeply into the sterile container
  • B. Collect saliva after brushing the teeth into a routine cup
  • C. Take the specimen after eating a large breakfast
  • D. Leave the open container beside the patient's bed overnight

Explanation

Deep coughing produces sputum from the lower respiratory tract, while saliva is not an adequate specimen for tuberculosis testing. Rinsing with water helps remove food particles without introducing mouthwash or other contaminants.

Submitted by a TestUstad contributor and published by the TestUstad editorial teamLast updated
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Covers nursing assessment and management of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, tuberculosis, pleural disorders and respiratory failure. Key areas include breath sounds, oxygen therapy, airway suctioning, inhaled medicines, arterial blood gases and the difference between hypoxia, hypoxemia and carbon dioxide retention.

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