A nurse observes that a client's anteroposterior (AP) chest diameter is the same as the lateral chest diameter.
Which query would the nurse ask the client in response to this finding?

Choice A rationale

Antitubercular medications are not typically taken for the rest of a client's life. The standard treatment duration for active pulmonary tuberculosis is a multi-drug regimen lasting typically 6 to 9 months. Prolonged unnecessary use can lead to increased side effects and antibiotic resistance without additional therapeutic benefit.

Choice B rationale

The Mantoux test, or tuberculin skin test, indicates exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis but does not confirm active disease or determine treatment effectiveness. A positive Mantoux test can persist for life even after successful treatment. Treatment efficacy is primarily monitored through symptom resolution and sputum smear/culture negativity.

Choice C rationale

A typical course of antitubercular treatment involves a multi-drug regimen administered consistently for 6 to 9 months. This prolonged duration is critical to eradicate the slow-growing Mycobacterium tuberculosis and prevent the development of drug resistance, ensuring complete cure and minimizing relapse. Inconsistent or premature cessation of therapy can lead to treatment failure and resistance.

Choice D rationale

Not all family members of a client with pulmonary tuberculosis will need to take medications. Prophylactic treatment (latent TB infection therapy) is typically recommended for close contacts, especially children and immunocompromised individuals, after they have been evaluated for latent TB infection (positive tuberculin skin test or interferon-gamma release assay) to prevent progression to active disease.

Choice A rationale

Discoloration of tooth enamel is not a primary concern with dry powder inhalers. While some medications can cause oral changes, the main issue with inhaled corticosteroids, often delivered via dry powder inhalers, is localized fungal overgrowth, not direct enamel staining. Good oral hygiene is generally recommended but specifically targets fungal prevention.

Choice B rationale

Halitosis, or bad breath, is not a direct or primary consequence of dry powder inhaler use. While poor oral hygiene can contribute to halitosis, the mechanism for rinsing after inhaler use is to remove residual medication, thereby preventing more significant oral complications like fungal infections.

Choice C rationale

Irritation of oral membranes can occur, but it is not the most significant or common complication that rinsing aims to prevent. Residual powder can cause some local irritation, but the predominant risk with long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids, which are frequently in dry powder inhalers, is opportunistic fungal growth.

Choice D rationale

Rinsing the mouth after using a dry powder inhaler, especially one containing corticosteroids, is crucial to prevent candidiasis. Residual corticosteroid particles in the oral cavity can suppress the local immune response, allowing *Candida albicans*, a yeast normally present in small amounts, to proliferate and cause an oral thrush infection.