Medical Surgical HESI Related

Review Medical Surgical HESI related questions and content

A healthcare worker with no known exposure to tuberculosis has received a Mantoux tuberculosis skin test. The nurse's assessment of the test after 62 hours indicates 5mm of erythema without induration. Which is the best initial nursing action?

  • A. Review the healthcare worker's history for possible exposure to TB.
  • B. Instruct the healthcare worker to return for a repeat test in 1 week.
  • C. Refer the healthcare worker to a healthcare provider for isoniazid (INH) therapy.
  • D. Document negative results in the healthcare worker's medical record.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: A Mantoux tuberculosis skin test without induration is considered negative. In this case, with 5mm of erythema and no induration, the result is negative, indicating no current infection. The best initial nursing action is to document these negative results in the healthcare worker's medical record. Reviewing the history for possible exposure to TB is unnecessary as the test result is negative. Instructing the healthcare worker to return for a repeat test or referring for INH therapy is not warranted when the test is negative.