A client is diagnosed with active tuberculosis and is started on medications. The nurse is aware that which parameter best indicates that the prescribed therapy has been effective? The client has:
a negative sputum culture.
decreased hemoptysis.
an improved chest x-ray.
a decreased rate of coughing.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason
A negative sputum culture is the most definitive indicator of the effectiveness of tuberculosis (TB) treatment. When a patient with active TB starts on medication, the goal is to eliminate the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria from the body. A sputum culture that turns from positive to negative signifies that the bacteria have been eradicated from the respiratory secretions, indicating successful treatment.
Choice B Reason
While decreased hemoptysis (coughing up blood) is a positive sign and indicates an improvement in the patient's condition, it is not the most reliable parameter for determining the effectiveness of TB therapy. Hemoptysis may decrease as the patient's overall condition improves, but it does not confirm the eradication of the TB bacteria.
Choice C Reason
An improved chest x-ray can show a reduction in the lesions caused by TB, which is a good sign of recovery. However, chest x-rays cannot confirm whether the TB bacteria have been completely eliminated. They are more of a supportive indicator rather than a definitive one.
Choice D Reason
A decreased rate of coughing is another sign that the patient is responding to treatment, as coughing is a primary symptom of TB. However, similar to hemoptysis and chest x-ray improvements, a decrease in coughing does not necessarily mean that the TB bacteria have been fully cleared from the body.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice a reason:
An increase in urine output can be a sign of improved kidney function or the effect of medications, but it is not a direct indicator of reduced cardiac workload. Atenolol, a beta-blocker, primarily reduces the heart rate and myocardial oxygen demand, not urine output.
Choice b reason:
Less dyspnea with activity suggests improved cardiovascular efficiency, but it is not a specific measure of cardiac workload. Dyspnea can be influenced by respiratory conditions and is not solely determined by cardiac function.
Choice c reason:
A blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg is considered optimal for most adults and indicates good control of hypertension. However, it does not specifically reflect the cardiac workload, which is more directly affected by heart rate and myocardial oxygen demand.
Choice d reason:
A heart rate of 65 per minute is a clear indicator that atenolol is effective in reducing cardiac workload. Atenolol decreases the heart rate, which in turn reduces myocardial oxygen demand and the overall workload on the heart. This is particularly important for patients with unstable angina, where reducing the heart's workload can prevent angina attacks and potential myocardial infarction.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason
A potassium level of 5.0 mEq/L is at the upper limit of the normal range, which is typically between 3.5 and 5.0 mEq/L. While this level should be monitored, especially in the context of diabetes where the patient may be at risk for hyperkalemia due to potential kidney issues, it is not immediately alarming¹.
Choice B Reason
A creatinine level of 4.4 mg/dL is significantly higher than the normal range of 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL for males and 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL for females. This indicates severe renal impairment or kidney failure, which is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus. Immediate intervention is required to address this critical issue¹.
Choice C Reason
A hemoglobin level of 10.7 g/dL is slightly below the normal range for adults, which is generally 13.8 to 17.2 g/dL for males and 12.1 to 15.1 g/dL for females. This could indicate mild anemia, which can be a complication of diabetes but is not as immediately concerning as a high creatinine level¹.
Choice D Reason
A Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) level of 22 mg/dL is within the normal range, which is typically between 7 and 20 mg/dL. This level does not indicate immediate concern and is not as critical as the elevated creatinine level¹.
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