A nurse is reviewing orders for a patient in anaphylactic shock. Which medication should the nurse plan to administer first?

Choice A reason: The Mantoux skin test, also known as the tuberculin skin test, measures the immune response to the tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) injected under the skin. An induration of less than 1 mm is not necessarily an indication of non-infectiousness; it may indicate a lack of infection or an inadequate immune response. This test does not reflect the current infectious status as it measures a delayed hypersensitivity reaction and can remain positive for life once someone has been exposed to TB or has received the BCG vaccine.

Choice B reason: Negative sputum cultures for acid-fast bacillus are a strong indication that the client is no longer infectious. Pulmonary tuberculosis is diagnosed and monitored through sputum cultures to detect the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A series of negative cultures typically indicates that the client is not excreting the bacteria and is, therefore, not contagious.

Choice C reason: While the cessation of coughing up blood-tinged sputum is a positive sign of clinical improvement, it does not conclusively indicate that the client is no longer infectious. The absence of blood in the sputum may simply mean that the damage to lung tissues is healing, but the client could still be harboring and potentially spreading TB bacteria.

Choice D reason: The Quantiferon-TB Gold test is a blood test that measures the immune system's response to TB bacteria. A positive result indicates TB infection, but it does not distinguish between latent infection and active disease, nor does it provide information on infectiousness. The parenthetical "negative" is confusing and should be clarified in the context of the test results.

Choice A reason : Changing the transparent membrane dressing daily is not necessary unless it's soiled or compromised. The dressing is typically changed every 7 days or per institutional policy to reduce the risk of infection.

Choice B reason: Using a non-coring needle is not applicable for PICC lines as they are designed for use with a luer-lock syringe for medication administration and flushing.

Choice C reason : Maintaining a continuous IV infusion is not required for a PICC line unless clinically indicated. Intermittent use is common for medication administration, and the line should be flushed before and after use to maintain patency.

Choice D reason : Flushing the catheter with a 0.9% sodium chloride solution after each use is the correct action. This helps to maintain catheter patency and prevent occlusion.