A nurse is caring for a client newly diagnosed with active tuberculosis (TB) and prescribed triple antibiotic therapy. The nurse should recognize that which clinical sign indicates inadequate drug therapy after 2 months of treatment?

Choice A rationale
While the application of anti-embolism stockings can be beneficial in preventing deep vein thrombosis in postoperative patients, it is not the most prioritized nursing intervention in the immediate postoperative period for a patient who has undergone a left pneumonectomy. The immediate postoperative period after a pneumonectomy is critical for monitoring and managing potential complications such as respiratory distress, hemorrhage, and bronchopleural fistula.
Choice B rationale
The use of the incentive spirometer is an important nursing intervention for postoperative patients to promote lung expansion and prevent atelectasis. However, in the immediate postoperative period following a pneumonectomy, the priority is to monitor for complications and ensure the stability of the patient.
Choice C rationale
Assessment of the chest tube and pleur-evac is the most prioritized nursing intervention in the immediate postoperative period for a patient who has undergone a left pneumonectomy. After a pneumonectomy, a chest tube is placed to drain air, blood, and fluid from the pleural space to allow the remaining lung to re-expand. It is crucial to monitor the chest tube system for proper functioning and to assess for complications such as excessive bleeding, infection, or pneumothorax.
Choice D rationale
Repositioning the patient in bed is a standard nursing intervention in postoperative care to enhance comfort, promote lung expansion, and prevent complications such as pressure ulcers and deep vein thrombosis. However, it is not the most prioritized intervention in the immediate postoperative period following a pneumonectomy, where monitoring for respiratory complications and ensuring the stability of the patient are paramount.

Choice A rationale
A non-productive cough is not a definitive sign of inadequate drug therapy for tuberculosis. It could be a symptom of many other respiratory conditions.
Choice B rationale
Decreased shortness of breath is generally a positive sign indicating improvement in the patient’s condition. It does not necessarily indicate inadequate drug therapy.
Choice C rationale
The presence of positive acid-fast bacilli in the sputum after 2 months of treatment indicates that the tuberculosis bacteria are still present in the patient’s body. This suggests that the triple antibiotic therapy is not effectively eliminating the bacteria, thus indicating inadequate drug therapy.
Choice D rationale
Poor appetite is a common symptom of tuberculosis, but it does not specifically indicate the effectiveness or inadequacy of drug therapy.