The nurse is instructing a patient on collecting a sputum sample. What is the best time for the nurse to collect this specimen?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sputum is best collected in the morning upon awakening because during the night, secretions have pooled in the lungs, making it easier to cough up a sample. It is also important to collect the sample before eating or brushing teeth to avoid contaminating the specimen with food or oral bacteria.

The Nurse Is Instructing a Patient on Collecting a Sputum