The best time to collect a sputum specimen is

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Early in the morning. This is because sputum tends to accumulate overnight, making it more concentrated and easier to collect in the morning. Collecting it before the resident eats or engages in other activities ensures a more accurate sample. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not provide the optimal conditions for collecting a sputum specimen. After a meal, sputum may be contaminated with food particles. Right before bedtime may not yield a good sample due to the accumulation of saliva overnight. Right before lunch is not ideal as the resident may have eaten or drunk something that could affect the sample.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is considered the master gland because it secretes hormones that control the functions of other endocrine glands in the body. It produces hormones that regulate growth, blood pressure, reproduction, and many other vital functions. The other choices, thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands, have specific functions but do not have the same overall control over other glands as the pituitary gland.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Regular activity and exercise benefit the integumentary system by improving blood circulation, promoting sweat production, and enhancing skin elasticity. This leads to better skin quality and health. The other choices are not related to the physiological effects of exercise on the integumentary system.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hearing. Hearing is generally the last sense to leave a person because sound waves can still be detected by the ears even when other senses have diminished. Hearing is connected to the brainstem, which is a vital part of the brain responsible for processing sensory information. As a person approaches death, hearing can often remain active even after sight, touch, and smell have faded. Sight, touch, and smell rely on more complex neural pathways and sensory receptors that may deteriorate more quickly than the auditory system.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Diagnosis. Diagnosis involves identifying a disease through signs, symptoms, and testing. Signs and symptoms help narrow down potential conditions, while testing confirms the diagnosis. Choice A, Differential, refers to the process of distinguishing between two or more conditions with similar symptoms. Choice B, Didactic, relates to teaching methods. Choice C, Disability, pertains to a state of impairment rather than disease identification.