Question

A CPCT observes that a patient has a productive hacking cough. She offers the patient the emesis basin and tissues. On visualization, the CPCT notices streaks of red-tinged sputum. What action should the CPCT take?

Answer 1

The CPCT should document the appearance of red-tinged sputum, inform a nurse or physician, and continue monitoring vital signs. Red-tinged sputum can indicate a serious condition requiring a chest radiograph and microbiological evaluation of a sputum sample.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) observes red-tinged sputum in a patient with a productive hacking cough, the appropriate action would be to immediately document the observation and inform the overseeing nurse or physician. Red-tinged sputum can be indicative of a serious condition such as pneumonia, which may present with chest radiograph findings of cavities, opacities and abnormal material distribution. The condition may also warrant the collection of a sputum sample for microbiological evaluation to detect the presence of organisms like a gram-negative rod and to perform antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST). The CPCT should continue to monitor the patient's vital signs, including heart rate and oxygen saturation, as hypoxemia may also be a concern. The presence of red streaks in sputum necessitates swift clinical attention to ensure the proper management and treatment of the underlying condition.