Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 74%
Simulated
A nurse is collecting a sputum specimen from a client who has tuberculosis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
The correct answer is D: Obtain the specimen immediately upon the client waking up. This is the correct action because sputum is most concentrated in the morning, making it easier to collect a good sample for testing. Waiting 1 day (A) can delay treatment. Wearing sterile gloves (B) is important but not specific to sputum collection. Asking for 15-20mL of sputum (C) is appropriate, but the timing of collection is crucial.