Final answer:
When instructing a patient about collecting a sputum specimen, it is important to explain the process, avoid contamination, and use a sterile container with proper labeling.
Step-by-step explanation:
When instructing a patient about collecting a sputum specimen, you should say the following statement:
First, explain to the patient the importance of collecting a sputum specimen to diagnose their condition accurately. It is essential to inform the patient that they should cough deeply to produce sputum from the lower respiratory tract. Instruct the patient to avoid collecting saliva or nasal discharge as it may affect the accuracy of the sample. Lastly, inform them to use a sterile container to collect the sputum sample and label it with their name and date of collection for proper identification.