A nurse at a community health center is teaching a group of residents about tuberculosis. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

A. Living in a long-term care facility increases the risk for tuberculosis due to close living quarters, which facilitate airborne transmission. Older adults in these facilities may also have weakened immune systems, further elevating their susceptibility to TB infection.

B. TB treatment typically lasts 6 to 12 months, depending on the case, not a lifetime. Lifelong medication is not required unless the individual has a chronic, drug-resistant form, which is uncommon. Adherence to the full treatment course is key to curing TB.

C. Tuberculosis is not spread through direct contact. It is an airborne disease transmitted when a person inhales droplets expelled when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks, particularly in enclosed or poorly ventilated environments.

D. A Mantoux skin test identifies TB exposure but does not confirm active disease. A positive result requires further evaluation with a chest x-ray and possibly sputum testing to diagnose active tuberculosis infection.

A. Ask whether the client's insurance will cover home health services: While financial coverage is important for ongoing care, it is not the immediate priority. Assessing physical and environmental safety takes precedence to ensure a smooth and safe transition home.

B. Determine whether the client is eligible to go to a skilled nursing facility: This is a relevant consideration for continued care but does not directly address the client’s immediate post-discharge needs regarding their ability to function safely at home with the prosthesis.

C. Collaborate with a prosthetist to teach the client about care of the prosthesis: Education on prosthesis care is essential but should occur after ensuring that the home environment is suitable for mobility, safety, and prosthesis use.

D. Evaluate the client's home environment: This is the priority because safety and accessibility of the home are critical for a client with a new prosthesis. Identifying barriers such as stairs or narrow doorways helps prevent injury and promotes independence.