PROCEDURE CHECKLIST

Chapter 28, Skill 28-01: Obtaining a Sputum Specimen

Check () Yes or No

PROCEDURE STEPS YES NO COMMENTS

1. Obtains needed equipment and supplies:
sputum specimen container and clean gloves. If
obtaining a suctioned specimen, also obtains a
sputum trap that attaches to the suction tubing.
2. Follows the “Initial Implementation Steps.”
For Obtaining a Sputum Specimen by
Coughing
3. Assists patient to sit upright and instructs him
or her to inhale deeply two times, then take a
third deep breath and cough while exhaling.
Splints abdominal incision as necessary.
4. Instructs patient to expectorate the mucus into
a sterile specimen container without touching the
inside of it. Repeats until 30 mL of sputum is
obtained.
For Obtaining a Sputum Specimen by Suction
3. Assembles the suction tubing and suction
catheter with a sputum trap between them.
Suctions deeply into the trachea through the
nasopharynx and obtains sputum specimen in
sputum trap.
4. After obtaining the specimen, removes the
suction tubing from the connection and attaches
the rubber tubing on the specimen trap to the
port where the suction tubing was attached.
Complete the Procedure
5. Follows the “Ending Steps.”
6. Correctly labels sputum specimen and puts it
into a biohazard laboratory bag.
7. Documents that the specimen was obtained
and sent to the lab. Documents amount, color,
and consistency of sputum.

Recommendation: Pass _____ Needs more practice _____

Student: Date:

Instructor: Date:

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