College of Nursing

Collecting Sputum Specimen

Instruction: Check on the column as to what level is the performance of the student in the following procedure. Be guided in the
scoring with the legend below.
4 Very satisfactory (Performed all the procedures correctly)
3 Satisfactory (Needs minimal assistance in performing the procedure)
2 Good (Needs more practice in performing the procedure)
1 Fair (inappropriate in the performance of the procedure)

STEP PROCEDURE 4 3 2 1
1 Check physician’s order
Comfortable room temperature
Gather needed equipment :
- Sterile sputum collection
- Label for specimen
- Gloves
- Tissue/ gauze
- Laboratory request
2 Introduces self and verify client’s identity. Explain the procedure, its purpose and how the client can
cooperate.
Provides privacy and ask if they prefer to have a family or significant other with them during the
3 procedure.
Bring needed equipment at bedside.
4 Performs hand washing, dry well. Don gloves.
Instruct client that sputum is to be collected in the early morning (unless physician gives you
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different instructions).
6 Advise client not to eat, drink, smoke, brush teeth, or use mouthwash before collecting sputum.
Collect sputum away from other patients. Go to a designated area, outside or open a window while
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you collect patient’s sputum.
8 Position patient in fowlers/ sitting
Instruct client to Take a deep breath. Hold the air for a few seconds. Breathe out slowly. Take another
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deep breath. Cough hard until sputum comes up in the client’s mouth.
Spit the sputum into the sample bottle. Do this until there is enough sputum to cover the bottom of
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the bottle. Screw the cap on the sample bottle tightly so it does not leak.
Properly label the specimen container (name, date, time). Sends to laboratory in time along with the
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requisition form.
Remove gloves and wash hands. Record the color, consistency, amount, and odor of the sputum and
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document.

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Remarks:

Name and signature of student Name and signature of RD Instructor