The nurse is continuing to care for the client.

Exhibits

The nurse is initiating the client's plan of care.

Which of the following interventions should the nurse plan to implement? Select all that apply.

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.

An advance directive is a legal document that allows a client to express their wishes regarding medical care in case they become incapacitated. The client should discuss this document with their family before signing it, so that they are aware of the client's preferences and can respect them. The other options are incorrect because the client can change their mind at any time, their partner does not need to be present, and an attorney does not need to notarize the document.