The patient is a 51-year-old male with pneumonia.
The patient has a history of hypertension and takes enalapril and a multivitamin daily.
His surgical history includes adenoid removal at age 4 and a surgical repair of a fractured tibia at age 20. Based on the information that the nurse has about the patient, what condition is he likely to have?

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.

Rationale for Choice A:

Pursed-lip breathing:

Creates back pressure in the airways, which helps to keep them open longer during exhalation.

Slows down the breathing rate, allowing for more complete exhalation and better emptying of the lungs. Prevents air trapping, which can worsen shortness of breath.

Promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety, which can also help to improve breathing.

Rationale for Choice B:

Side-lying position with knees bent:

May not be the most effective position for improving gas exchange in a client with emphysema. Could potentially restrict chest expansion and make breathing more difficult.

May not be comfortable for all clients.

Rationale for Choice C:

Increasing breathing rate:

Can lead to hyperventilation, which can worsen shortness of breath and anxiety. Can also cause fatigue and muscle exhaustion.

Rationale for Choice D:

Raising hands above the head:

Does not significantly expand the diaphragm or improve gas exchange. May actually make breathing more difficult for some clients.