CHAPTER 2 Respiratory System^135
- Collect sputum only and not saliva—there are bacteria naturally found in
the mouth, so saliva samples will grow bacteria in the lab even though it
is not causing any infection. - After the test:
- Sample needs to go to the lab.
- Teach the patient:
- How to properly obtain sputum sample.
Thoracentesis
WHY IS IT DONE?
Removal of fluid from the pleural sac to drain fluid or identify the contents of the fluid
HOW DOES THE TEST WORK?
The patient either sits at the edge of the bed or lies on the unaffected side. The
affected site is anesthetized. A needle is inserted into the plural sac and fluid is
drained using a syringe.
WHAT TO DO?
- Before the test:
- The patient must sign an informed consent for an invasive procedure.
- Position the patient at the edge of the bed or lying on the unaffected side
with the head of the bed elevated 30 degrees.
- During the test:
- Monitor the patient for tolerance of the procedure.
- Monitor respiratory status for rate, effort, skin color, use of accessory
muscles, and breath sounds.
- After the test:
- Lay the patient on the affected side for 1 hour following the procedure. This
applies direct pressure to the puncture site, reducing the chance of bleeding. - Monitor the injection site for leakage; reinforce dressing if drainage noted.
- Monitor respiratory status for changes.
- Lay the patient on the affected side for 1 hour following the procedure. This