Which test would the nurse expect the primary care provider to order to look for exposure to tuberculosis?

A. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition in older adults but is not a specific indicator of pneumonia. While blood pressure can fluctuate with illness, it does not directly relate to the diagnosis of pneumonia.
B. Acute confusion is a critical and relevant sign in older adults with pneumonia. This demographic may experience altered mental status due to factors like hypoxia (low oxygen levels), fever, or dehydration. Confusion is often one of the first signs of infection in older patients, making it a significant assessment finding.
C. Hematemesis, which is the vomiting of blood, is not associated with pneumonia. It typically indicates a gastrointestinal issue, such as bleeding from ulcers or varices, rather than respiratory problems. Therefore, this finding would not be relevant to a pneumonia diagnosis.
D. While a cough is indeed a symptom of pneumonia, a dry hacking cough is less typical. Pneumonia generally presents with a productive cough (producing sputum) rather than a dry cough. A dry cough might suggest conditions like bronchitis or asthma.

A. Anemia itself is not typically a direct cause of secondary hypertension. While severe anemia can sometimes lead to changes in blood pressure, it is not recognized as a common or identifiable cause of secondary hypertension. Therefore, this option is not the best answer.
B. Glaucoma primarily affects eye health and is characterized by increased intraocular pressure. While there is some association between systemic hypertension and glaucoma, glaucoma is not considered a direct cause of secondary hypertension. It’s more of a complication that can occur in patients with high blood pressure rather than a cause of it.
C. Kidney disease is one of the most common and significant causes of secondary hypertension. Conditions such as chronic kidney disease or renal artery stenosis can lead to increased blood pressure due to fluid retention and changes in hormonal regulation (like the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system). Therefore, this option is a highly identifiable cause of secondary hypertension.
D. Cataracts involve the clouding of the lens of the eye and are typically related to aging and other factors such as diabetes. While cataracts can be associated with systemic diseases like diabetes and hypertension, they are not considered a direct cause of secondary hypertension.