A nurse is planning care for a client who is postoperative following the insertion of an arteriovenous graft in their left forearm. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

Choice A reason: The Mantoux skin test, also known as the tuberculin skin test, measures the immune response to the tuberculin purified protein derivative injected into the skin. An induration of less than 1 mm is not considered a positive result. However, the size of the induration in the Mantoux test does not indicate whether the person is infectious or not.

Choice B reason: Negative sputum cultures for acid-fast bacillus (AFB) are a strong indication that the client is no longer infectious. Pulmonary tuberculosis is diagnosed and monitored by the presence of AFB in the sputum. When the sputum cultures are negative, it suggests that the client is not excreting the bacteria and is less likely to spread the infection to others.

Choice C reason: While no longer coughing up blood-tinged sputum is a sign of clinical improvement, it does not necessarily mean that the client is no longer infectious. The absence of blood in the sputum may indicate reduced inflammation or healing of lung tissue, but the client could still be capable of transmitting tuberculosis if AFB is present in the sputum.

Choice D reason: The Quantiferon-TB Gold test is a blood test that measures the immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens. A positive result indicates that the person's immune system has been exposed to the bacteria, but it does not determine if the person is infectious. The term "positive (negative)" is contradictory and does not provide clear information about the client's infectious status.

Choice A reason: Tapping the client's facial nerve and noting any facial twitching is not a specific assessment for bacterial meningitis. This action is more related to evaluating facial nerve function and is not typically used to diagnose meningitis.

Choice B reason: Striking the client's patellar tendon with a percussion hammer and noting any increase in response is a test for reflexes, which may or may not be altered in bacterial meningitis. An increased response can be seen in various neurological conditions and is not specific to meningitis.

Choice C reason: Gently elevating the client's head and noting any nuchal rigidity is a key part of the focused assessment for bacterial meningitis. Nuchal rigidity, or stiffness of the neck, is a classic sign of meningitis and is assessed by gently lifting the head and attempting to move the chin toward the chest. If the client resists due to pain or stiffness, this could indicate nuchal rigidity associated with meningitis.

Choice D reason: Running a tongue blade on the outside of the client's sole and noting any flaring of the toes, known as the Babinski sign, is used to assess for central nervous system lesions and is not specific to meningitis. While it can be part of a neurological assessment, it does not specifically indicate bacterial meningitis.