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 C
Explanation
Choice a reason:
Placing the client on 2L via nasal cannula is a common intervention for hypoxemia, but with the client's pulse oximetry at 88%, which is below the normal range of 95-100%, and the presence of tachypnea, a more immediate assessment of the client's respiratory status is warranted. Oxygen therapy should be guided by the results of arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis to tailor the treatment to the client's specific needs.
Choice b reason:
Obtaining a blood glucose level is not the most immediate concern in the context of altered mental status and respiratory distress. While it is important to rule out hypoglycemia as a cause of altered mental status, the primary concern indicated by the vital signs is the client's respiratory condition.
Choice c reason:
Calling the physician for an order for a stat arterial blood gas is the most appropriate action. The ABG will provide detailed information about the client's oxygenation, carbon dioxide levels, and acid-base balance. This is crucial for a client with a new onset change in mental status and tachypnea, as it can indicate respiratory failure or other serious complications of pneumonia.
Choice d reason:
Requesting an order for lorazepam is not appropriate given the client's current respiratory status. Lorazepam, a benzodiazepine, can depress the central nervous system and respiratory drive, potentially worsening the client's hypoxemia and respiratory effort.
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