The nurse needs to obtain a sputum specimen for culture and sensitivity from a patient. When should the nurse obtain this specimen?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The specimen should be obtained before the first dose of antibiotics is administered to ensure that the culture accurately reflects the bacteria causing the infection. Antibiotics can alter the bacterial growth and make it difficult to determine the specific pathogen causing the infection. By obtaining the specimen before antibacterial treatment, the nurse can help ensure that the correct antibiotic is prescribed based on the results from the culture and sensitivity test.

The Nurse Needs to Obtain a Sputum Specimen for Culture