b. Important Points.
(1)
Oral hygiene should be provided after the procedure for patient comfort.
(2)
Accuracy of test decreases if delivery of specimen to laboratory is
delayed.
(3)
Make certain the patient knows how to perform sputum collection.
(4) The nurse must be prepared to obtain the specimen by suctioning if the
patient cannot cough.
c. Procedure.
(1)
Read physician's orders.
(2)
Collect supplies.
(3)
Introduce yourself.
(4)
Identify the patient by identification band.
(5)
Explain procedure to patient.
(6)
Wash hands and don gloves.
(7)
Position patient in Fowler's position.
(8)
Instruct patient to take three breaths and force cough into sterile
container.
(9)
Attach laboratory requisition.
MD0556
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