Monitoring expectorant

Monitoring expectorant - Monitoring expectorations facilitates thorough assessment and evaluation of the client’s condition and response to treatment. Expectorant efers to any secretions coughed out of the lungs and should not be confused with saliva (secretions from the mouth).

Equipment:
The equipment required for monitoring consists of sputum pot, weighing scales (if available), appropriate chart for documenting results, and gloves. The procedures and rationales are given below.

Procedure	Rationale
Glove hands	To protect against infection
Observe colour	To monitor colour and compare to the norm. Yellow to green sputum indicates degree of infection. Putty or grey colour may indicate TB. Blood-streaked sputum may be caused by trauma or lung disease. Haemoptysis (blood in the sputum) is indicative of lung disease. Pink frothy sputum is indicative of heart disease/pulmonary oedema.
Observe consistency	To monitor consistency and compare to the norm
Observe amount by weighing the sputum pot with the expectorant and subtracting the weight of an empty pot. If scales not available record amount as full pot, half pot, etc.	To measure the amount and compare to the norm. Weighing the expectorant gives an objective measure of the amount and is therefore more accurate and facilitates evaluation
Note any odour from the expectorant without directly inhaling over the pot	Directly inhaling over the pot may lead to inhalation of airborne micro-organisms
Record findings on appropriate chart and report any deviation from the norm	Legal requirement to maintain documentation and safeguard client safety through good communications
Dispose of sputum pot as directed in next section below	To prevent cross-infection
Provide client with a clean sputum pot indicating client’s name and ensure an adequate supply of tissues	To maintain client comfort and facilitate evaluation
Advise client on the need to maintain hydration and oral hygiene (see Chapter 3) and offer assistance as necessary	To promote client comfort and reduce the risk of complications