A nurse is caring for an infant who has coarctation of the aorta.
Which of the following should the nurse identify as an expected finding?

The correct answer is Choice a.

Choice a rationale: The nurse should obtain the specimen immediately upon the client waking up, as sputum from deep in the lungs is usually more easily collected at this time. Sputum collected upon waking up is more likely to contain secretions from the lower respiratory tract, providing a better sample for tuberculosis diagnosis. This timing maximizes the chance of detecting the bacteria.

Choice b rationale: Choice b is incorrect because the typical volume of sputum needed for testing is about 1 teaspoon (5 mL), not 15 to 20 mL. Collecting such a large volume could be challenging for the client and unnecessary for diagnostic purposes.

Choice c rationale: Choice c is incorrect because while gloves should be worn, they do not need to be sterile, just clean. The use of clean gloves is sufficient to prevent contamination during specimen collection, and sterile gloves are not required for this procedure.

Choice d rationale: Choice d is incorrect because it’s important to try to collect the specimen as soon as possible, not wait a full day. Delaying collection for a day could result in a missed opportunity to diagnose tuberculosis and initiate appropriate treatment promptly. Collecting the specimen promptly maximizes the accuracy of diagnostic testing and facilitates timely intervention for the client's health.

The correct answer is Choice B: "When using implanted contraceptive methods, condoms should also be used to protect against STDs."

Choice B rationale: While implanted contraceptive methods are highly effective in preventing unintended pregnancies, they do not provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Therefore, using condoms in conjunction with implanted contraceptives can enhance overall sexual health by reducing the risk of contracting or transmitting STDs. This statement highlights the nurse's understanding of the importance of comprehensive sexual health practices and the limitations of various contraceptive methods.

Choice A rationale: The use of petroleum-based lubricants with condoms can actually compromise their effectiveness. Petroleum-based lubricants can degrade latex condoms, increasing the likelihood of condom breakage or slippage, which in turn raises the risk of both pregnancy and STD transmission.

Choice C rationale: Condoms are indeed effective in preventing pregnancy, but their effectiveness can be enhanced by using them in conjunction with vaginal spermicides. Spermicides containing nonoxynol-9 can provide additional protection by inactivating or killing sperm, thus reducing the risk of pregnancy.

Choice D rationale: Ensuring a proper fit is crucial for a condom's effectiveness, but the statement only emphasizes the condom fitting snugly over the tip of the penis. For optimal protection, a condom should be unrolled to cover the entire erect penis, leaving a small empty space at the tip for semen collection. A condom that is not unrolled completely may be more likely to slip off or break during intercourse.