An appropriate technique that the nurse can tell the patient to implement before obtaining a sputum specimen is to:

A) use mouthwash before the collection.
B) splint the surgical incision before coughing.
C) try to obtain a sample immediately after eating.
D) take a deep breath,cough hard,and expectorate.

If the patient has a surgical incision or localized area of discomfort,have the patient place hands firmly over the affected area,or place a pillow over the area.Splinting of painful areas minimizes muscular stretching and discomfort during coughing and thus makes cough more productive.The patient should not use mouthwash or toothpaste because it may decrease viability of microorganisms and culture results.Have the patient wait 1 to 2 hours after eating.After a series of deep breaths,ask the patient to cough after full inhalation.