Multiple Choice Questions for Respiratory System Related

Review Multiple Choice Questions for Respiratory System related questions and content

A client seen in the emergency department reports fever,fatigue and dry cough but no other upper respiratory symptoms. A chest x-ray reveals mediastinal widening. What action by the nurse is best?

  • A. Collect a sputum sample for culture by deep suctioning.
  • B. Inform the client that oral antibiotics will be needed for 60 days.
  • C. Place the client on Airborne Precautions immediately.
  • D. Tell the client that directly observed therapy is needed.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Inform the client that oral antibiotics will be needed for 60 days. This is the best action because the client is showing symptoms consistent with tuberculosis, such as fever, fatigue, dry cough, and mediastinal widening on chest x-ray. Treatment for tuberculosis typically involves a combination of oral antibiotics for a prolonged period, usually 6-9 months. Collecting a sputum sample for culture by deep suctioning (A) may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis but is not the priority at this moment. Placing the client on Airborne Precautions immediately (C) is important once the diagnosis is confirmed, not the initial action. Directly observed therapy (D) is a method to ensure adherence to medication but is not the immediate next step.