NCLEX Questions Respiratory Related

Review NCLEX Questions Respiratory related questions and content

A patient has a positive PPD skin test that shows an 8 mm induration. As the nurse you know that:

  • A. The patient will need to immediately be placed in droplet precautions and started on a medication regime.
  • B. The patient will need a chest x-ray and sputum culture to confirm the test results before treatment is provided.
  • C. The patient will need an IGRA test to help differentiate between a latent tuberculosis infection versus an active tuberculosis infection.
  • D. The patient will need to repeat the skin test in 48-72 hours to confirm the results.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A positive PPD result does NOT necessarily mean the patient has an active infection of TB. The patient will need a chest x-ray and sputum culture to determine if mycobacterium tuberculosis is present and then treatment will be based on those results. The IGRA test does NOT differentiate between LTBI or an active TB infection. Patients are placed in airborne precautions (NOT droplet) if they have ACTIVE TB.