The patient has come to the emergency department complaining of coughing up bloody sputum.The patient has a 30-year history of smoking and has lost 15 pounds in the last month.What will the nurse expect the sputum specimen to be evaluated for?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient is showing signs of cancer.Sputum specimens are collected to identify cancer cells.Sputum collected for culture and sensitivity testing is used to identify specific microorganisms.The AFB is used to support the diagnosis of tuberculosis.Chemical analysis would indicate chemicals within the blood, not sputum.

The Patient Has Come to the Emergency Department Complaining of Coughing