A nurse is caring for a client who has active tuberculosis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A Reason

Increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a marker of inflammation and is commonly elevated in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. However, it is not a direct adverse effect of NSAID therapy. NSAIDs are more likely to cause gastrointestinal issues, such as bleeding, which would be detected by a fecal occult blood test.

Choice B Reason

Elevated creatinine clearance is not typically associated with NSAID use. In fact, NSAIDs can potentially reduce kidney function, leading to decreased creatinine clearance. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

Choice C Reason

Increased serum potassium levels can occur with NSAID use, especially in patients with compromised kidney function. However, this is less common compared to gastrointestinal bleeding, which is a more direct and frequent adverse effect of NSAID therapy.

Choice D Reason

Positive fecal occult blood test is the correct answer. NSAIDs can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, which can be detected through a fecal occult blood test. This is a well-documented adverse effect of NSAID therapy and is a significant concern for patients on long-term NSAID treatment.

Choice A Reason:

Remaining 1 meter (3 feet) away from the client when providing care is not sufficient to prevent the spread of tuberculosis (TB). TB is an airborne disease, and the bacteria can remain suspended in the air for several hours. Therefore, maintaining a distance alone does not provide adequate protection against inhaling the bacteria.

Choice B Reason:

Applying a surgical mask before entering the client’s room is not the most effective measure. Surgical masks are designed to protect against large droplets and splashes, but they do not provide adequate protection against airborne particles like TB bacteria. Instead, healthcare workers should use N95 respirators, which are specifically designed to filter out airborne particles.

Choice C Reason:

Ensuring the door to the client’s room is closed at all times is a critical measure in preventing the spread of TB. This action helps to contain the airborne bacteria within the room, reducing the risk of transmission to others in the healthcare facility. This is part of airborne precautions, which are essential for managing patients with active TB.

Choice D Reason:

Placing a “no visitors” sign on the client’s door can help limit the number of people exposed to the TB bacteria, but it is not the most critical action. While it is important to restrict visitors, ensuring the door is closed and using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) are more effective measures in controlling the spread of TB.