A nurse is planning care for a client who has tuberculosis. Which of the following precautions should the nurse implement for this client?

Rationale:
A. Contact precautions: Contact precautions are used for infections spread by direct or indirect contact, such as Clostridioides difficile or MRSA. Tuberculosis is transmitted through airborne particles, not contact.

B. Protective environment precautions: Protective environments are for immunocompromised clients, such as those undergoing stem cell transplants, to protect them from external infections. This does not apply to clients with active infections like tuberculosis.

C. Droplet precautions: Droplet precautions are used for infections spread through large respiratory droplets, like influenza or pertussis. Tuberculosis is spread via much smaller airborne particles that remain suspended in the air.

D. Airborne precautions: Airborne precautions are required for tuberculosis because it is spread through tiny airborne droplets. These precautions include placing the client in a negative pressure room and having staff wear an N95 respirator when entering the room.

Rationale:

• Peripheral pulse: Strong and symmetric peripheral pulses in this client indicate that circulation through the femoral artery (the common catheter insertion site for PCI) is intact. This suggests no vascular complications like thrombus or hematoma, which are post-PCI risks.
• Pain level: The client initially reported chest pain rated 8/10 with radiation to the left arm and dyspnea. A decreased pain level after PCI reflects reduced myocardial oxygen demand and ischemia, indicating that the intervention was successful.
• Blood pressure: The client presented with elevated blood pressure (158/92 mm Hg), likely due to cardiac stress and pain. A return to a more stable range post-intervention indicates reduced sympathetic activation and improved hemodynamic status.
• Heart rate: The client had a heart rate of 116/min earlier, likely secondary to chest pain and cardiac stress. A drop toward normal levels post-PCI reflects improved cardiac function and relief of ischemia.
• Oxygen saturation: Earlier, the client showed dyspnea and shallow, labored respirations, with an SpO₂ of 96% on room air. An improved or sustained oxygen saturation level after PCI indicates better oxygen delivery and respiratory status, confirming reduced cardiac workload and improved perfusion.