NCM 104a: COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING

Topic: Sputum Collection

ACTIVATE PRIOR KNOWLEDGE:

Identify sputum according to type, appearance and cause.
ACQUIRE NEW KNOWLEDGE:
Sputum - is the mucus or phlegm coughed up from the lungs. It is not saliva or mucous
from the back throat.
Sputum production - reaction of the lungs to any constantly recurring irritant. It may
also be associated with nasal discharge.
Sputum Specimen Collection - collection is done to be tested for various and to
determine what are the specific microorganism present in the sputum.
Methods of collection:
1. Expectoration is for conscious clients.
2. Suctioning is for unconscious clients or clients with existing health conditions that
expectoration is not possible.
Purpose:
1. For culture and sensitivity test to identify specific microorganism in the respiratory
tract and its drug sensitivities.
2. For cytology to identify the origin, structure, function, and pathology of cells; to
identify cancer in the lungs.
3. For Acid Fast Bacilus (AFB); to identify the presence of Tuberculosis.
4. To assess the effectiveness of therapy.
Equipments and Supplies needed:
1. Sterile bottle or specimen trap
2. Gloves
3. Mask
4. Tissue/gauze
5. Laboratory request and form
6. Suction machine
7. Catheter
8. Sterile water
Procedure in performing Sputum Collection:
1. Check physician’s order. Fill out the form and labels
2. Explain to the client the procedure and purpose.
3. Prepare and assemble equipment.
4. Observe standard precautions.
5. Advise client to gargle early in the morning not mouthwash and don’t eat, drink,
smoke,or brush prior to the procedure.
6. A. Ask the client to breath deeply for several times then cough up 15-30 ml of sputum
in a sterile specimen bottle.
B. Hyper oxygenate client then suction with prescribed catheter attached to a
specimen trap.
7. Perform aftercare then send specimen to the laboratory or refrigerate.