What action should the practical nurse (PN) take if a client collects a sputum specimen improperly?

The most appropriate action for the practical nurse to take when a client collects a sputum specimen improperly is to assist the client in collecting a specimen directly into a sterile cup. Assisting the client in this manner ensures that the sample is collected correctly, which is crucial for accurate diagnostic testing. Collecting sputum is a sensitive process that requires specific techniques to avoid contamination and to enhance the quality of the specimen.

Proper assistance not only helps the client understand the correct procedure but also reduces the chance of collecting a sample that may lead to inconclusive or misleading results. Ensuring that the collection is done directly into a sterile environment minimizes the risk of contamination, which is essential in medical assessments, particularly when testing for infectious diseases or respiratory conditions.

In contrast, teaching the client proper collection techniques without assisting them might not guarantee that they can perform it correctly on their own, especially if they are anxious or unfamiliar with the process. Discarding the specimen and not allowing another attempt would hinder the progress of diagnosis and care. Notifying the physician immediately may be unnecessary unless the error has resulted in significant clinical concern. Hence, assisting directly is the most effective and supportive approach in this scenario.