Reduction of Risk PotentialQuestion 366 of 2368
A client who had abdominal surgery yesterday cannot cough deeply enough to produce a sputum specimen because of incisional pain. Which action should the nurse take first?
- Ask the client to use mouthwash before coughing
- Provide pain medication before repeating the procedure
- Collect saliva instead and label it as sputum
- Cancel the specimen collection for the day
Show answer
Correct answer: Provide pain medication before repeating the procedure
Pain after surgery can prevent deep breaths and expectoration. Pain medication should be given before the procedure.
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