A nurse is preparing to administer a liquid medication to a 6-month-old infant who is crying. Which of the

following actions should the nurse take to reduce the risk of aspiration?

Answer: (D) Refrigerate the specimen until the time of transport to the laboratory

Rationale:

A) Collect 2 ml of sputum in an emesis basin: While it is important to collect an adequate volume of sputum, using an emesis basin is inappropriate for collecting a specimen for culture and sensitivity. Sputum must be collected in a sterile container to avoid contamination, ensuring the accuracy of the culture results.

B) Instruct the client to rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash prior to specimen collection: Using an antiseptic mouthwash before collecting a sputum specimen is not recommended, as it could contaminate the sample with antiseptic agents, potentially affecting the growth of microorganisms in the culture. The client should rinse with plain water instead.

C) Swab the oropharynx with a sterile swab: Swabbing the oropharynx is more appropriate for collecting a throat culture rather than a sputum specimen. Sputum collection requires the client to expectorate mucus from the lower respiratory tract, not from the oropharynx, to obtain an accurate sample for culture and sensitivity.

D) Refrigerate the specimen until the time of transport to the laboratory: Refrigerating the sputum specimen is crucial to preserve the integrity of the sample and inhibit the growth of contaminants before it is transported to the laboratory. This action helps ensure that the results of the culture and sensitivity test are accurate.

The nurse should recommend that the client who has diminished breath sounds and paradoxical chest movement receive care first. This client is likely experiencing a tension pneumothorax, which is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate intervention.

Option a is incorrect because a client who has a head injury and whose pupils are fixed and dilated may have experienced brain death and may not be able to be resuscitated.

Option b is incorrect because a dislocated shoulder, while painful, is not immediately life-threatening. Option c is incorrect because a scalp laceration with intermittent bleeding can be managed with pressure and is not immediately life-threatening.