The nurse needs to collect a sputum specimen for culture from a patient with a chronic cough.What actions should the nurse take when collecting this specimen? (Select all that apply.)

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A specimen for culture should be obtained first thing in the morning before the patient eats breakfast.C.The culture specimen should be obtained before antibiotics are started to avoid altering culture results.D.The patient does not need to drink warm water before obtaining the specimen.E.If the patient has eaten,the mouth should be rinsed with water to keep food particles out of the specimen.

The Nurse Needs to Collect a Sputum Specimen for Culture