A nurse is preparing to obtain a sputum specimen from a male client.Which of the following nursing actions will facilitate obtaining the specimen?

A) Limiting fluid
B) Having the client take deep breaths
C) Asking the client to spit into the collection container
D) Asking the client to obtain the specimen after eating

To obtain a sputum specimen,the client should rinse his mouth to reduce contamination,breathe deeply for three or four breaths,hold his breath,and then cough into a sputum specimen container.The client should be encouraged to cough and not spit in order to obtain sputum.Sputum can be thinned by fluids or by a respiratory treatment such as inhalation of nebulized saline or water.A specimen should be obtained 1 to 2 hours after eating to prevent vomiting and aspiration risk.