Question 15

A sputum specimen is from the lungs.

A sputum specimen is a sample of mucus that is expelled from the respiratory tract, specifically the lungs. This specimen is often collected to diagnose respiratory infections or other lung-related conditions.

A) bowel

A sputum specimen is not collected from the bowel. The bowel is part of the digestive system and does not produce the type of mucus associated with respiratory specimens. Thus, this option is incorrect.

B) bladder

The bladder is an organ in the urinary system and does not produce sputum. Sputum is specifically related to respiratory secretions, making this choice incorrect as well.

C) lungs

A sputum specimen is indeed collected from the lungs, where it serves as a valuable diagnostic tool for identifying infections, diseases, or other abnormalities affecting the respiratory system. This option is correct.

D) skin

Sputum is not derived from the skin; it is a respiratory secretion. Therefore, this choice is incorrect as it does not pertain to the origin of sputum specimens.

Conclusion

The correct answer is C, as sputum specimens are specifically associated with the lungs and are essential for diagnosing respiratory conditions. Options A, B, and D are incorrect because they refer to other body systems that do not produce sputum, further confirming that only C accurately reflects the source of a sputum specimen.