A patient is intubated, and sputum for culture and sensitivity is ordered. Which of the following is important for obtaining the best specimen?
a. After the specimen is in the container, dilute thick secretions with sterile water.
b. Apply suction when the catheter is advanced to obtain secretions from within the endotracheal tube.
c. Do not apply suction while the catheter is being withdrawn because this can contaminate the sample with sputum left in the endotracheal tube.
d. Do not clear the endotracheal tube of all local secretions before obtaining the specimen.
C
To prevent contamination of secretions in the upper portion of the endotracheal tube, do not apply suction while the catheter is being withdrawn. Clear the endotracheal or tracheostomy tube for all local secretions, avoiding deep airway penetration. This will prevent contamination with upper airway flora. Do not dilute thick secretions with sterile water. This will compromise the specimen.
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