A nurse is collecting a sputum specimen from a client who has tuberculosis.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale:

Applying skin sealant on damp skin is not a correct technique when changing an ostomy appliance. Skin should be clean and thoroughly dry before applying any ostomy products. Moisture on the skin can interfere with the adhesion of the pouching system, leading to skin irritation and leakage.

Choice B rationale:

Removing the appliance before emptying the pouch is not the correct technique. Ostomy pouches are designed to be emptied without removing the entire appliance. Removing the pouch unnecessarily can cause discomfort to the client and may damage the surrounding skin. Regular emptying of the pouch while leaving the appliance in place is the appropriate practice.

Choice C rationale:

Ensuring that the skin is slightly damp for better adhesion of the pouch is not accurate. Ostomy pouches adhere best to clean, dry skin. Moisture on the skin can compromise the adhesive seal and lead to skin irritation. Therefore, the skin should be thoroughly dried before applying the ostomy pouching system.

Choice D rationale:

Tracing the size of the stoma onto the skin barrier is the correct technique when changing an ostomy appliance. The opening of the skin barrier (wafer) should match the size and shape of the stoma to ensure a proper fit. Tracing the stoma's size onto the barrier helps in cutting the opening to the appropriate size, preventing leakage and ensuring a secure fit around the stoma.

The correct answer is Choice a.

Choice a rationale: The nurse should obtain the specimen immediately upon the client waking up, as sputum from deep in the lungs is usually more easily collected at this time. Sputum collected upon waking up is more likely to contain secretions from the lower respiratory tract, providing a better sample for tuberculosis diagnosis. This timing maximizes the chance of detecting the bacteria.

Choice b rationale: Choice b is incorrect because the typical volume of sputum needed for testing is about 1 teaspoon (5 mL), not 15 to 20 mL. Collecting such a large volume could be challenging for the client and unnecessary for diagnostic purposes.

Choice c rationale: Choice c is incorrect because while gloves should be worn, they do not need to be sterile, just clean. The use of clean gloves is sufficient to prevent contamination during specimen collection, and sterile gloves are not required for this procedure.

Choice d rationale: Choice d is incorrect because it’s important to try to collect the specimen as soon as possible, not wait a full day. Delaying collection for a day could result in a missed opportunity to diagnose tuberculosis and initiate appropriate treatment promptly. Collecting the specimen promptly maximizes the accuracy of diagnostic testing and facilitates timely intervention for the client's health.