A nurse in a provider’s office is assessing an older adult client whose son reports that the client has been sick with a respiratory illness for the past 6 days. Which of the following assessment findings is a manifestation of pneumonia in the older adult client?

Choice A reason: Occasional bubbling in the water seal chamber. This finding does not indicate that the client is experiencing a complication, but rather that the chest tube is functioning properly. Occasional bubbling in the water seal chamber occurs when the client exhales, coughs, or sneezes, and it shows that air is being removed from the pleural space.

Choice B reason: Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber. This finding indicates that the client is experiencing a complication because it suggests that there is an air leak in the chest tube system. An air leak can prevent the lung from expanding and cause respiratory distress.

Choice C reason: Fluctuations in the fluid level in the water seal chamber. This finding does not indicate that the client is experiencing a complication, but rather that the chest tube is functioning properly. Fluctuations in the fluid level in the water seal chamber occur when the client breathes, and they show that the pressure in the pleural space is changing.

Choice D reason: Constant bubbling in the suction control chamber. This finding does not indicate that the client is experiencing a complication, but rather that the chest tube is functioning properly. Constant bubbling in the suction control chamber occurs when the suction source is connected, and it shows that the suction is working.

Choice A reason: Blood glucose levels are not a necessary laboratory test for a client who has tuberculosis and new prescriptions for rifampin and pyrazinamide. Blood glucose levels measure the amount of sugar in the blood and are used to diagnose and monitor diabetes. Rifampin and pyrazinamide do not affect blood glucose levels directly, but they may interact with some medications used to treat diabetes, such as sulfonylureas or metformin. The nurse should advise the client to monitor their blood glucose levels regularly and report any changes to the provider.

Choice B reason: Thyroid function studies are not a required laboratory test for a client who has tuberculosis and new prescriptions for rifampin and pyrazinamide. Thyroid function studies measure the levels of thyroid hormones and thyroid stimulating hormone in the blood and are used to diagnose and monitor thyroid disorders. Rifampin and pyrazinamide do not affect thyroid function directly, but they may interact with some medications used to treat thyroid disorders, such as levothyroxine or propylthiouracil. The nurse should advise the client to take their thyroid medication at least 4 hours before or after rifampin and pyrazinamide and report any symptoms of thyroid imbalance to the provider.

Choice C reason: Gallbladder studies are not a relevant laboratory test for a client who has tuberculosis and new prescriptions for rifampin and pyrazinamide. Gallbladder studies include ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the gallbladder and are used to diagnose and monitor gallstones or gallbladder inflammation. Rifampin and pyrazinamide do not affect the gallbladder directly, but they may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain, which can mimic gallbladder problems. The nurse should assess the client for signs of hepatotoxicity, such as jaundice, dark urine, or clay colored stools, and report any findings to the provider.

Choice D reason: Liver function tests are a vital laboratory test for a client who has tuberculosis and new prescriptions for rifampin and pyrazinamide. Liver function tests measure the levels of enzymes, proteins, and bilirubin in the blood and are used to diagnose and monitor liver damage or disease. Rifampin and pyrazinamide are both hepatotoxic drugs, which means they can cause liver injury or failure. The nurse should instruct the client to have liver function tests done before starting the medication regimen and periodically during the treatment. The nurse should also educate the client about the signs and symptoms of hepatotoxicity, such as fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or yellowing of the skin or eyes, and advise them to stop taking the medication and seek medical attention if they occur.