A nurse is collecting data from a 3-month-old infant who is 6 hr postoperative following a cleft palate repair.

Which of the following pain rating tools should the nurse use?

Answer: (D) Refrigerate the specimen until the time of transport to the laboratory

Rationale:

A) Collect 2 ml of sputum in an emesis basin: While it is important to collect an adequate volume of sputum, using an emesis basin is inappropriate for collecting a specimen for culture and sensitivity. Sputum must be collected in a sterile container to avoid contamination, ensuring the accuracy of the culture results.

B) Instruct the client to rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash prior to specimen collection: Using an antiseptic mouthwash before collecting a sputum specimen is not recommended, as it could contaminate the sample with antiseptic agents, potentially affecting the growth of microorganisms in the culture. The client should rinse with plain water instead.

C) Swab the oropharynx with a sterile swab: Swabbing the oropharynx is more appropriate for collecting a throat culture rather than a sputum specimen. Sputum collection requires the client to expectorate mucus from the lower respiratory tract, not from the oropharynx, to obtain an accurate sample for culture and sensitivity.

D) Refrigerate the specimen until the time of transport to the laboratory: Refrigerating the sputum specimen is crucial to preserve the integrity of the sample and inhibit the growth of contaminants before it is transported to the laboratory. This action helps ensure that the results of the culture and sensitivity test are accurate.

ESR is a laboratory test that measures the rate at which red blood cells settle in a vertical tube of blood over a specific period of time. An elevated ESR is a nonspecific indicator of inflammation in the body, including infections. In the presence of an infection, the body releases certain substances that can increase the rate at which red blood cells settle, leading to an elevated ESR.

Decreased platelet count is not typically associated with infection. Low platelet count, known as thrombocytopenia, can be caused by various factors such as certain medications, autoimmune disorders, or bone marrow disorders. Infection may cause other changes in blood counts, but decreased platelets are not a direct indicator of infection.

Decreased hemoglobin levels, known as anemia, can be caused by various factors such as nutritional deficiencies, chronic diseases, or blood loss. While some infections can lead to anemia indirectly, decreased hemoglobin is not a specific indicator of infection.

Increased iron levels, known as hyperferritinemia, can occur in various conditions, including infections, but it is not a direct indicator of infection. It is important to assess the overall clinical picture and other laboratory findings to determine the cause of increased iron levels.