A nurse is preparing to obtain a sputum specimen from a male ...

[Chloeellawright]

A nurse is preparing to obtain a sputum specimen from a male client. Which of the following nursing actions will facilitate obtaining the specimen?
 
  a. Limiting fluid
  b. Having the client take deep breaths
  c. Asking the client to spit into the collection container
  d. Asking the client to obtain the specimen after eating

Question 2

A patient had a colon resection for removal of a cancerous tumor.
 
  Postoperatively, on the surgical floor which of the following activities would the nurse perform for the purpose of decreasing the risk of postoperative complications? Select all that apply.
  a. Assist the patient to turn, breathe deeply, and cough every 2 hours.
  b. Teach the patient about the type of tumor removed.
  c. Assess the drainage from the surgical site.
  d. Monitor vital signs on a regular basis.

[snackralk]

Answer to Question 1

B
To obtain a sputum specimen, the client should rinse his mouth to reduce contamination, breathe deeply for three or four breaths, hold his breath, and then cough into a sputum specimen container. The client should be encouraged to cough and not spit in order to obtain sputum. Sputum can be thinned by fluids or by a respiratory treatment such as inhalation of nebulized saline or water. A specimen should be obtained 1 to 2 hours after eating to prevent vomiting and aspiration risk.

Answer to Question 2

A, C, D
The nurse assists the patient to turn, breathe deeply, and cough every 2 hours to decrease the risk of postoperative atelectasis or pneumonia. The nurse assesses the wound drainage to monitor for signs of bleeding, infection, or wound complications. Vital signs are monitored to detect the potential for infection or hemorrhage, not to prevent them. The nurse may teach the patient about cancerous tumors; however, this intervention will not decrease the risk of postoperative complications.