An occupational health nurse is interpreting the results of a tuberculin skin test for a group of clients who received the test 48 hr ago. Which of the following clients should the nurse identify as having a positive test result?

Choice A Reason:
Refill the prescription every 12 months. This statement focuses on the frequency of prescription refills rather than guidance on the medication's use. While it's important to keep prescriptions up to date, this instruction doesn't directly relate to the administration or use of sublingual nitroglycerin for angina.
Choice B Reason:
Take a second tablet after 5 minutes for unrelieved chest pain. This advice is crucial because if the chest pain persists after the first tablet, taking a second tablet after 5 minutes (and seeking emergency medical assistance if pain persists after the second tablet) is part of the recommended protocol for managing unstable angina with sublingual nitroglycerin.
Choice C Reason:
Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Sublingual nitroglycerin is designed to dissolve under the tongue, not to be swallowed. The medicine is absorbed through the blood vessels in the mouth to provide rapid relief for angina symptoms. Instructing the patient to swallow the tablet defeats the purpose of sublingual administration.
Choice D Reason:
Store the medication in the refrigerator. Nitroglycerin should generally be stored in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight, but refrigeration is not necessary. Storing it in the refrigerator might actually alter the medication's effectiveness or consistency, making it less reliable for quick absorption when needed during an angina episode.

Choice A Reason:

Positive Trousseau's sign is incorrect. Trousseau's sign is associated more with calcium imbalances, particularly hypocalcemia, and is assessed by inflating a blood pressure cuff on the arm to induce carpal spasm. It's not a specific indicator of metabolic acidosis related to high glucose levels in diabetes mellitus.

Choice B Reason:

Dizziness upon standing is incorrect. Dizziness upon standing, also known as orthostatic hypotension, is more commonly associated with blood pressure changes upon position changes. While it can occur in various conditions, it's not a specific indicator of metabolic acidosis in this context.

Choice C Reason:

Tingling of the fingers is incorrect. Tingling sensations, known as paresthesia, can occur due to various reasons, including nerve damage related to chronic high blood sugar levels in diabetes (diabetic neuropathy). However, it's not a direct and specific indicator of metabolic acidosis caused by high glucose levels in diabetes mellitus.

Choice D Reason:

Increased respiratory rate is correct. Metabolic acidosis in a diabetic individual can trigger compensatory mechanisms, such as increased respiratory rate (Kussmaul respirations), as the body tries to eliminate excess acids through respiration to help regulate the acid-base balance. This increased respiratory rate is an attempt to blow off carbon dioxide (a potential acidic byproduct) and decrease the acidity in the blood.