A nurse is preparing a client for an electroencephalogram (EEG). When the client asks what the purpose of the procedure is, what is the nurse's best response?

A) Obtain samples for urine culture and urinalysis:
This is the first priority. The symptoms described—urinary frequency, dysuria (painful urination), and fever—are suggestive of a urinary tract infection (UTI). To confirm the diagnosis and identify the causative organism, it is critical to obtain a urine sample for both a urinalysis and urine culture. The culture will help guide antibiotic therapy once the organism is identified. This is the foundational step before initiating any treatment. The results will also help determine whether the infection is localized or more severe, like a pyelonephritis
or systemic infection.

B) Insert a Foley catheter:
Inserting a Foley catheter may be necessary if the patient is unable to void, but it is not the first intervention in this case. A Foley catheter is generally used for urinary retention or if monitoring of urine output is necessary. In the context of suspected UTI symptoms, a Foley catheter should only be inserted if there is a clear need, not just for the convenience of obtaining a sample. Additionally, inserting a Foley catheter could introduce bacteria if the patient is not already catheterized and should therefore be avoided unless medically indicated.

C) Begin broad-spectrum IV antibiotics:
While starting antibiotics is important in treating a suspected UTI, especially in the presence of fever and potential infection, obtaining a urine sample for culture and urinalysis should be done first. This allows the healthcare team to tailor antibiotic therapy based on the culture results, reducing the risk of unnecessary or incorrect antibiotic use. If the patient is febrile and appears severely ill, broad-spectrum antibiotics may be started after obtaining the urine sample, but the culture and urinalysis must still be prioritized.

D) Prepare the client for a CT scan:
While imaging studies like a CT scan may be helpful in evaluating for complications, they are not the first step in managing the patient’s symptoms. Obtaining the urine sample and identifying whether an infection is present is essential for guiding further management. A CT scan may be ordered later if the clinical suspicion for complications remains high after the initial evaluation and lab results.

A. You will need to return in 48-72 hours to have the test read:
This statement is correct. The purified protein derivative (PPD) skin test, also known as the tuberculin skin test (TST), must be read within 48-72 hours after administration. If the test is not read within this timeframe, the results may not be valid, and the test may need to be repeated. The test evaluates the presence of induration (swelling) at the injection site, which indicates a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction to the tuberculosis antigen.

B. A positive skin test will mean you need to have a follow-up chest x-ray:
This statement is correct. A positive PPD skin test indicates exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (the bacteria that causes tuberculosis). However, a positive result does not necessarily mean the person has active tuberculosis. A follow-up chest x-ray is typically recommended to determine whether active TB disease is present. The chest x-ray helps to assess for signs of active infection, such as lung lesions.

C. "Induration of greater than or equal to 10 millimeters means you have been exposed":
This statement is correct. In the context of a PPD skin test, induration (raised area of the skin) of 10 millimeters or more is generally considered a positive result, indicating exposure to tuberculosis. However, the exact threshold for what is considered positive can vary based on individual risk factors. A positive test means the person has been exposed to the tuberculosis bacteria, but it does not confirm active disease.

D. "Induration of greater than or equal to 10 millimeters means you have active tuberculosis":
This statement is incorrect. A positive PPD skin test result indicates exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, but it does not confirm active tuberculosis (TB) infection. The induration reflects prior exposure or latent infection. To determine if the individual has active TB, additional diagnostic tests such as a chest x-ray, sputum cultures, and possibly a molecular test are required. A positive PPD result does not differentiate between latent TB infection and active TB disease.