Why assess sputum?

[Ames coolvibeman]

Hi all,

I have confused myself and this is probably a silly question, but i'm currently studying pneumonia and could someone please explain why you would assess the sputum, what would the colour tell you about the infection.

My understanding so far is it's to indicate how bad the infection is, if there is any blood present, and if it is getting any worse?

I know a sptum spec is taken to aid the doctors in what the pathogen might be and therefore a treatment plan.

I also understand rust coloured is associated with pneumonia.

But any help with this would be GREAT!

Thanks very much.

-Amy :)

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

Well if the sputum was relatively clear and then goes all Technicolor, that could indicate an infection. (If you're caring for a vented or trached pt, you WILL see sputum, whether the pt has pneumonia or not).

You want to assess consistency; the thicker it is, the harder it is to clear. I've seen people respiratory arrest from mucus plugs -- if you notice sputum becoming increasingly thick, you can intervene before it becomes an emergency.

Pink, frothy sputum indicates pulmonary edema.

Certain bugs such as pseudomonas have a distinct odor.

[ArceusAlpha]

As what was mentioned, sputum is significant when it comes to assessments because having purulent/changes in colors indicates infection. Mucoid may be viral bronchitis, pink/colorless tinged mucoid = lung tumor?, froth pink may be PEdema, bloody may be a PEmboli?, foul smelling could be a lung abscess, etc.

But it's not just color you're assessing for;

For coughing, you'd be seeing if it is a dry/productive cough, onset, severity, wheezing, duration, pattern, symptoms, prescriptions?, etc.

For the sputum, you'd be checking the amount, presence of hemoptysis, smell, consistency, etc.