NUR 106 QUIZ: OBTAINING A
NASOPHARYNGEAL SWAB CHAPTER
18 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH
COMPLETE SOLUTIONS 100%
CORRECT RATED A+
Length of Time the Swab Remains in Place
Answer: 30 seconds (or several seconds according to specific protocol to
absorb secretions)
Clinical Rationale: Leaving the swab in place for several seconds (often up
to 15–30 seconds depending on clinical guidelines) allows the absorbent tip
to absorb nasopharyngeal secretions properly for an accurate viral or
bacterial culture.
Nasopharyngeal Swab Procedure Statement
Answer: A flexible wire with a cotton tip is used to obtain the sample.
Clinical Rationale: Nasopharyngeal collection requires a flexible, thin wire
shaft (often with a Dacron, rayon, or synthetic tip) designed to gently follow
the natural contour of the nasal floor to reach the posterior pharynx without
causing trauma or breaking.
Head Position for Procedure Comfort
Answer: Tipped backward
Clinical Rationale: Instructing the client to tilt their head back slightly
(about 70 degrees) straightens the passage along the floor of the nasal cavity,
making insertion smoother and less uncomfortable for the client.
Swab Placement/Direction
Answer: 'Posteriorly along the floor of the nasal cavity.'
Clinical Rationale: The swab should be passed straight back along the floor
of the nasal cavity parallel to the palate (not upward toward the nose or
septum) until resistance is met or the depth is equal to the distance from the
nostrils to the outer opening of the ear.
NASOPHARYNGEAL SWAB CHAPTER
18 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH
COMPLETE SOLUTIONS 100%
CORRECT RATED A+
Length of Time the Swab Remains in Place
Answer: 30 seconds (or several seconds according to specific protocol to
absorb secretions)
Clinical Rationale: Leaving the swab in place for several seconds (often up
to 15–30 seconds depending on clinical guidelines) allows the absorbent tip
to absorb nasopharyngeal secretions properly for an accurate viral or
bacterial culture.
Nasopharyngeal Swab Procedure Statement
Answer: A flexible wire with a cotton tip is used to obtain the sample.
Clinical Rationale: Nasopharyngeal collection requires a flexible, thin wire
shaft (often with a Dacron, rayon, or synthetic tip) designed to gently follow
the natural contour of the nasal floor to reach the posterior pharynx without
causing trauma or breaking.
Head Position for Procedure Comfort
Answer: Tipped backward
Clinical Rationale: Instructing the client to tilt their head back slightly
(about 70 degrees) straightens the passage along the floor of the nasal cavity,
making insertion smoother and less uncomfortable for the client.
Swab Placement/Direction
Answer: 'Posteriorly along the floor of the nasal cavity.'
Clinical Rationale: The swab should be passed straight back along the floor
of the nasal cavity parallel to the palate (not upward toward the nose or
septum) until resistance is met or the depth is equal to the distance from the
nostrils to the outer opening of the ear.
