A nurse in a provider’s office is assessing a client. The nurse should identify that which of the following findings are manifestations of pulmonary tuberculosis? (Select all that apply)

Choice A reason: Droplet precautions are not appropriate for a client who has tuberculosis and a productive cough. Droplet precautions are used to prevent the transmission of infectious agents that are spread by large respiratory droplets, such as influenza, pertussis, or meningitis. Droplet precautions require the use of a surgical mask, eye protection, and gloves when in close contact with the client.

Choice B reason: Protective precautions are not applicable for a client who has tuberculosis and a productive cough. Protective precautions are used to protect immunocompromised clients from exposure to pathogens, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplantation, or stem cell transplantation. Protective precautions require the use of a HEPA filter, a positive pressure room, and a mask for the client when leaving the room.

Choice C reason: Contact precautions are not sufficient for a client who has tuberculosis and a productive cough. Contact precautions are used to prevent the transmission of infectious agents that are spread by direct or indirect contact with the client or the client's environment, such as Clostridioides difficile, MRSA, or VRE. Contact precautions require the use of gloves and gowns when entering the room and the dedicated use of noncritical patientcare equipment.

Choice D reason: Airborne precautions are the correct type of isolation precautions for a client who has tuberculosis and a productive cough. Airborne precautions are used to prevent the transmission of infectious agents that are spread by small respiratory droplets that can remain suspended in the air, such as tuberculosis, measles, or chickenpox. Airborne precautions require the use of a respirator, such as an N95 mask, a negative pressure room, and a mask for the client when leaving the room.

Choice A reason: Difficulty moving the upper extremities is not a complication of immobility, but a result of the stroke. A stroke can damage the part of the brain that controls movement, sensation, or coordination of the limbs, causing hemiparesis (weakness) or hemiplegia (paralysis) on one side of the body. The nurse should assist the client with passive or active range of motion exercises to prevent muscle atrophy and contractures.

Choice B reason: Stiffness in the lower extremities is not a complication of immobility, but a result of the stroke. A stroke can affect the muscle tone of the limbs, causing spasticity (increased muscle tension) or flaccidity (decreased muscle tone) on one side of the body. The nurse should apply splints or braces to prevent deformities and provide massage or stretching to relieve stiffness.

Choice C reason: A reddened area over the sacrum is a complication of immobility, and a sign of a pressure injury. A pressure injury is a localized damage to the skin and underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure, friction, or shear. The sacrum is a common site for pressure injuries, as it is a bony prominence that bears the weight of the body when lying down. The nurse should reposition the client every 12 hours, provide skin care, and use pressure relieving devices to prevent pressure injuries.

Choice D reason: Difficulty hearing some types of sounds is not a complication of immobility, but a result of aging or other factors. Hearing loss can occur due to various causes, such as exposure to loud noise, ear infections, earwax buildup, or ototoxic medications. The nurse should assess the client's hearing and use communication strategies, such as speaking clearly, facing the client, and reducing background noise.