The nurse is admitting a client with possible tuberculosis (TB). The client is placed in a private room with airborne precautions pending diagnostic test results.
Which diagnostic test should the nurse review to confirm the diagnosis of TB?
Hemoccult test on sputum collected from hemoptysis.
Sputum culture positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Positive purified protein derivative (PPD) skin test.
Chest X-ray or computed tomography (CT).
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Hemoccult test on sputum collected from hemoptysis is not a diagnostic test for TB. It is a test for blood in the stool, which can be a symptom of TB but is not specific to TB.
Hemoptysis, or coughing up blood, can occur in various conditions, including bronchitis, pneumonia, lung cancer, and TB. The Hemoccult test cannot differentiate between these causes, making it an unreliable test for diagnosing TB.
Choice B rationale:
Sputum culture positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the definitive diagnostic test for TB.
It involves collecting a sample of sputum, which is the mucus coughed up from the lungs, and culturing it in a laboratory to see if Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes TB, grows.
This test is highly specific for TB, meaning that a positive result is almost always indicative of TB infection. It is also sensitive, meaning that it can detect TB infection even when there are few bacteria present.
Choice C rationale:
Positive purified protein derivative (PPD) skin test indicates exposure to TB but does not confirm active infection.
The PPD skin test involves injecting a small amount of tuberculin, a protein derived from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, into the skin.
If a person has been exposed to TB, their immune system will react to the tuberculin, causing a raised red bump to appear at the injection site.
However, a positive PPD skin test does not necessarily mean that a person has active TB infection.
It could also mean that they have been exposed to TB in the past but have successfully fought off the infection. Further testing, such as a sputum culture, is needed to confirm the diagnosis of TB.
Choice D rationale:
Chest X-ray or computed tomography (CT) can show abnormalities in the lungs that are suggestive of TB, but they cannot definitively diagnose TB.
These imaging tests can reveal changes in the lungs, such as nodules, inflammation, or fluid buildup, which can be caused by TB or other conditions.
Therefore, a chest X-ray or CT scan alone is not sufficient to diagnose TB. A sputum culture is still needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D. Reported history of alcoholism.
Choice A rationale:
Employment as a construction worker is not directly relevant to the administration of terbinafine HCL. While it may affect the client’s overall health and risk of injury, it does not impact the medication’s safety or efficacy.
Choice B rationale:
A white blood cell count of 8,500/mm³ (8.5 x 10³/L) is within the normal range and does not indicate any immediate concern that would affect the administration of terbinafine HCL.
Choice C rationale:
Thick and yellow toenails are typical symptoms of a fungal toenail infection and are the reason for prescribing terbinafine HCL. This finding confirms the diagnosis but does not present a contraindication to the medication.
Choice D rationale:
A reported history of alcoholism is crucial to address because terbinafine HCL can cause liver toxicity. Clients with a history of alcoholism are at higher risk for liver damage, and this must be carefully evaluated before starting the medication.
Correct Answer is ["B","E","G"]
Explanation
B. Position the patient with the head of the bed elevated. Rationale:
Promotes lung expansion: Elevating the head of the bed by at least 30 degrees utilizes gravity to assist in diaphragmatic descent and lung expansion. This allows for greater intake of air, optimizing oxygen intake and facilitating better gas exchange.
Reduces work of breathing: When upright, the abdominal muscles can more effectively aid in breathing, reducing the workload on the diaphragm and accessory muscles. This conserves energy and decreases the patient's respiratory effort.
Enhances secretion drainage: Gravity also aids in the movement of secretions from the lower lobes of the lungs towards the upper airways, where they can be more easily coughed up or suctioned. This helps to clear the airways and improve ventilation.
E. Teach the patient to cough at least once an hour. Rationale:
Clears secretions: Coughing is a natural mechanism to clear secretions from the lungs and airways. It helps to prevent mucus buildup and potential obstruction, which can lead to atelectasis (collapse of lung tissue) and further compromise ventilation.
Improves gas exchange: By removing secretions, coughing allows for better airflow and gas exchange within the lungs. This enhances oxygenation and helps to prevent respiratory complications.
G. Assist the patient in ambulating safely. Rationale:
Mobilizes secretions: Ambulation encourages movement of secretions from the lower lobes of the lungs, promoting their clearance and preventing mucus buildup.
Prevents atelectasis: Walking and movement help to expand the lungs, reducing the risk of atelectasis and improving overall ventilation.
Enhances circulation: Ambulation also improves circulation, which can help to deliver oxygen to the tissues more effectively and aid in healing.
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