Reduction of Risk PotentialQuestion 365 of 2368
A client with suspected pneumonia is ordered a sputum culture and sensitivity, and an antibiotic is also ordered. When should the nurse collect the sputum?
- Before the first dose of the antibiotic is given
- After the client has completed the antibiotic course
- After the first dose of the antibiotic has been given
- At any time because antibiotics do not change results
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Correct answer: Before the first dose of the antibiotic is given
Antibiotics affect culture results, so the sample should be collected before antibiotic therapy starts.
Source: Nursing Skills, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Specimen Collection: SPUTUM SPECIMEN COLLECTION. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Reduction of Risk Potential"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026