A nurse is preparing to instill an otic suspension into an adult client's ear.

Which of the following methods should the nurse plan to use?

Grapes are a common choking hazard for young children, especially toddlers, due to their small size, round shape, and slippery texture. The size and shape of grapes can block the airway and pose a significant risk if not properly cut or prepared before being given to a toddler. It is recommended to cut grapes into small pieces or slice them lengthwise to reduce the risk of choking.

While potatoes, corn, and oranges can also pose a choking risk if not properly prepared or cut into age-appropriate sizes, they are not as commonly associated with choking incidents in toddlers as grapes are. Nonetheless, it is essential for parents and caregivers to be aware of appropriate food preparation techniques and supervise children during meals to ensure their safety.

Answer: D

Rationale:

A) Collect 2 mL of sputum in an emesis basin: Collecting sputum in an emesis basin is inappropriate for laboratory testing. The sputum should be collected directly into a sterile container to prevent contamination. This ensures that the culture and sensitivity results are accurate and reflect the client's true respiratory pathogens.

B) Instruct the client to rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash prior to specimen collection: Using an antiseptic mouthwash before collecting a sputum sample is not recommended because it may alter the flora present in the sputum, leading to inaccurate culture results. Instead, the client should rinse their mouth with plain water to clear excess saliva or food debris.

C) Swab the oropharynx with a sterile swab: Swabbing the oropharynx does not obtain sputum from the lungs but instead gathers a sample from the throat, which may not be reflective of lower respiratory infections. A proper sputum sample is produced through a deep cough to collect material directly from the lungs.

D) Refrigerate the specimen until the time of transport to the laboratory: Refrigerating the sputum specimen helps to preserve its integrity by preventing the overgrowth of bacteria or other pathogens until it can be transported to the laboratory. Proper refrigeration ensures that the culture and sensitivity results remain accurate.