A nurse discovers an overlooked prescription for a type and crossmatch of a client who is scheduled for surgery. After notifying the laboratory, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A Reason

Using sterile gloves to obtain the sputum specimen is important for maintaining sterility and preventing contamination. However, it is not the first priority action. The timing of the collection is more critical to ensure the accuracy and quality of the specimen.

Choice B Reason

Obtaining the sputum specimen after the client uses mouthwash is incorrect. Mouthwash can kill or alter the microorganisms present in the sputum, leading to inaccurate test results. The client should rinse their mouth with water instead to reduce contamination from oral secretions.

Choice C Reason

Collecting the sputum specimen in the morning is the most appropriate action. Sputum accumulates overnight, making it easier to collect a sufficient sample in the morning. This timing also ensures that the specimen is more concentrated and representative of the lower respiratory tract.

Choice D Reason

Placing the sputum specimen in a clean container is necessary, but it is not the first action to take. The container should be sterile to prevent contamination and ensure the accuracy of the test results. However, the timing of the collection is more critical to obtaining a quality specimen.

Choice A Reason:

Dissociation is a defense mechanism where a person disconnects from their thoughts, feelings, or sense of identity. It often occurs in response to trauma or extreme stress, allowing the individual to distance themselves from the reality of the situation. In this case, the client is not showing signs of dissociation, such as feeling detached from reality or experiencing memory gaps. Instead, they are avoiding the reality of their partner’s condition.

Choice B Reason:

Denial is a defense mechanism where a person refuses to accept the reality of a situation to avoid dealing with painful emotions. The client’s statement about planning a trip despite their partner’s terminal condition indicates that they are not acknowledging the severity of the situation. This refusal to accept reality helps them cope with the emotional distress associated with their partner’s impending death.

Choice C Reason:

Regression involves reverting to behaviors from an earlier stage of development when faced with stress. This might include actions like thumb-sucking, bed-wetting, or other childlike behaviors. The client’s statement does not indicate a return to earlier developmental behaviors but rather a refusal to accept the current reality.

Choice D Reason:

Displacement is a defense mechanism where negative emotions are redirected from their original source to a less threatening target. For example, someone might take out their frustration with their boss on a family member. In this scenario, the client is not redirecting their emotions but rather avoiding the reality of their partner’s condition.