What is sputum?

Sputum is defined as a mixture of saliva and mucus that is expelled from the respiratory tract, usually by coughing. It plays an important role in respiratory health because it can contain pathogens, inflammatory cells, and other substances that indicate the condition of the lungs and airways. The production of sputum can increase during infections or other respiratory conditions, such as bronchitis or pneumonia, which can aid in diagnosing health issues. Understanding sputum is crucial for personal care assistants because it helps them monitor patients' respiratory health and recognize changes that may require medical attention.

The other options refer to distinct concepts: dark sticky feces relates to gastrointestinal issues involving blood; blood in urine indicates a possible urinary tract problem or kidney issue; and body fluid exposure encompasses a wide range of situations that involved potential contact with bodily fluids, which is unrelated to the specific definition of sputum.