California Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

When should a nursing assistant collect sputum specimens from a patient on airborne precautions due to suspected tuberculosis?

1. After meals

2. During the night shift

3. First thing in the morning

4. At the nurse's discretion

The correct answer is: First thing in the morning

Collecting sputum specimens from a patient on airborne precautions due to suspected tuberculosis is most effective when done first thing in the morning. This timing is ideal because sputum production is generally higher in the morning after a patient has been resting overnight. Overnight, the secretions can accumulate in the lungs, making it easier and more productive to gather a sample when the patient has just woken up. Additionally, the morning is a time when patients tend to have less food and fluid intake, which can influence the quality of the sputum sample. By collecting the specimen at this time, nursing assistants can ensure a clearer representation of the airway secretions, leading to more accurate diagnostic results. This practice is particularly important in the context of suspected tuberculosis, where an accurate sample is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment.