Sputum specimen from demented patient

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Any good tricks for getting one of these? It's not my area of expertise and the poor old guy is really sweet, just very..very..very..not on this planet. I'd sure appreciate any ideas!

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can someone demonstrate, maybe he'll imitate

draw a picture?

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is he productive to begin with? I can't tell you how many times we get orders for sputum samples from patients who don't have a drop to donate :chuckle

I would show him by coughing and pretending to spit into the cup. Otherwise, you'll have to deep suction him if you really, really need that sample.

GL!

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Specializes in Geriatric/LTC, Rehab, Home Hhealth.

Hmmm....I've had really good luck with dementia pts by simply telling them that the dr wants a urine sample, phlem (they're more familiar with this word it seems)sample, stool sample..whatever. I guess it's recall from a time long ago b/c they seem to respond - even from another planet :0) . I don't give them the direction until we're ready for action b/c they are still unable to hold the info for very long. Hope this helps!

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
can someone demonstrate, maybe he'll imitate

draw a picture?

"snake" 'em.

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