Final answer:
A nurse can facilitate obtaining a sputum specimen by having the client take deep breaths and cough forcefully into a sterile container. Hydration should be maintained as it helps to thin mucus, and avoiding specimen collection immediately after eating prevents contamination.
Step-by-step explanation:
To facilitate the collection of a sputum specimen from a male client, a nurse should employ certain strategies. One effective approach is having the client take deep breaths, which helps to gather sputum from the lower respiratory tract. Additionally, having the client cough forcefully after taking these breaths can increase the likelihood of obtaining a viable specimen. It is also crucial that the specimen be collected in a sterile container to prevent contamination, which could affect test results.
It's important to note that limiting fluids is generally not advisable as staying hydrated can help thin the mucus, making it easier to expel. Asking the client to simply spit into a container may not be effective for the same reason; sputum comes from the lungs, not the saliva. Obtaining the specimen after eating is also not recommended as this may result in contamination with food particles.