A nurse is collecting data on a client who has pneumonia. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A. Sputum culture: A sputum culture is the definitive diagnostic test for tuberculosis (TB). It involves collecting a sample of the patient’s sputum and testing it for the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes TB. This test confirms active TB infection and is critical in guiding treatment.

B. Chest x-ray: A chest x-ray can show abnormalities in the lungs that may suggest TB, such as infiltrates or cavities, but it cannot confirm the diagnosis. It is often used as a supporting diagnostic tool alongside other tests.

C. Tuberculin skin test: The tuberculin skin test (TST) is used to identify latent TB infection, not active TB. A positive result indicates that a person has been exposed to TB bacteria, but it does not confirm active disease.

D. Bronchoscopy: Bronchoscopy allows for direct visualization of the airways and collection of samples, but it is not the standard diagnostic test for confirming TB. Sputum culture remains the gold standard for diagnosis.

A. Hypothermia: Pneumonia typically presents with fever rather than hypothermia. Fever is a common response to infection and inflammation.

B. Bradycardia: Pneumonia usually causes tachycardia rather than bradycardia. Tachycardia is a compensatory response to improve oxygen delivery to tissues.

C. Pulse deficit: A pulse deficit is not a common finding in pneumonia. It is more associated with conditions like atrial fibrillation.

D. Tachypnea: Tachypnea, or rapid breathing, is a common sign of pneumonia. It reflects the body’s attempt to improve oxygenation and compensate for impaired gas exchange.