The nursing assistant (NA) informed the client of the correct way to collect the sputum specimen. The NA received the call that the client had the specimen ready. The NA observes there is now a bottle of mouthwash on the table. What action should the NA take?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The best action the NA should take will be to ask the client if the client used the mouthwash before collecting the sputum specimen. If the client would state yes, then the NA would need to have the client rinse their mouth with water and collect another specimen. The client may have rinsed their mouth with the mouthwash after the specimen was collected, which would have no effect on the specimen. The specimen needs to be taken to the lab right away after being collected, so the NA would ask if the client called right after collecting it. The NA should correctly label and place the sputum in a specimen bag once determined to be collected properly and then take it to the lab and drop off immediately. The NA would not place it in the clean utility room where clean and sterile items are stored.

The Nursing Assistant (NA) Informed the Client of the Correct