Which time would be ideal for the LPN/LVN to collect a sputum specimen?
At bedtime
In the morning
After meals
After start of antibiotics
The Correct Answer is B
B. Morning is considered the ideal time for collecting a sputum specimen. Overnight, mucus accumulates in the respiratory tract because the patient is less active and not clearing their throat or coughing as much. This means that the mucus is more concentrated and has had time to build up, providing a more substantial and representative sample of what is in the lungs.
A. Collecting a sputum specimen at bedtime is generally not ideal. By the end of the day, the patient’s respiratory tract might have cleared some of the accumulated mucus naturally through coughing or other activities.
C. Collecting a sputum specimen after meals is not recommended. Eating can introduce food particles and bacteria from the mouth into the sputum, contaminating the sample.
D. Starting antibiotics before collecting a sputum specimen can alter the bacterial flora present in the respiratory tract. This can lead to a false-negative result or an inaccurate representation of the pathogens causing the infection.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. An elevated white blood cell (WBC) count, specifically an elevation in the neutrophil count (neutrophilia), is commonly seen in pneumonia. It indicates an inflammatory response to the infection and is a typical finding in bacterial pneumonia.
A. A decreased serum creatinine level is not typically associated with pneumonia and may not be directly related to the condition. In fact, it may suggest impaired kidney function or dehydration, but it is not a concerning lab abnormality specifically related to pneumonia.
C. Protein in the urine (proteinuria) may be present in various conditions, including kidney disease, urinary tract infections, and certain systemic illnesses. While it can sometimes be seen in severe cases of pneumonia, it is not a specific or common finding associated with the condition.
D. Decreased serum potassium levels are not typically associated with pneumonia itself. However, certain factors related to pneumonia treatment or complications, such as the use of diuretics or vomiting, could lead to hypokalemia. While hypokalemia can have serious consequences, it is not directly related to the severity of pneumonia.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Holding the breath for at least 10 seconds after inhaling the medication allows the medication to settle in the lungs and increases its effectiveness. This ensures maximum delivery of the drug to the respiratory tract.
B. The recommended time to wait between inhalations is typically around 1 to 2 minutes, not 10 minutes. Waiting too long between puffs may reduce the effectiveness of the medication and is not necessary.
C. There is no specific recommendation that the inhaler must be held with the non-dominant hand. The inhaler should be held in the hand that feels most comfortable and provides the best control, which is usually the dominant hand for most people.
D. The correct technique involves tilting the head slightly back to open the airway, making it easier for the medication to reach the lungs. Tilting the head forward could restrict the airflow and reduce the effectiveness of the inhalation.
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