A nurse is teaching a client who has left-sided weakness how to use a quad cane. Which of the following client actions indicates an understanding of the teaching?

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 : While eating fresh fruits and vegetables is generally healthy, it does not specifically indicate an understanding of AIDS-related teaching. Some fruits and vegetables need to be carefully handled to avoid potential infections.

Choice B reason : Wearing gloves and washing hands after changing a cat's litter box is correct as it helps prevent the transmission of infections, such as toxoplasmosis, which can be particularly harmful to individuals with AIDS.

Choice C reason : Taking clothes to the dry cleaners for sterilization is unnecessary and does not reflect an understanding of AIDS-related precautions.

Choice D reason : Wiping up areas soiled with body fluids with alcohol and disposing of the trash is a good practice for infection control, but it is not as directly related to the client's understanding of AIDS-specific precautions as choice b.