A patient receiving medical treatment for an active tuberculosis infection asks when she can starting going out in public again. You respond that she is no longer contagious when:
- A. She has 3 negative sputum cultures
- B. Her signs and symptoms improve
- C. She has completed the full medication regime
- D. Her chest x-ray is normal
- E. She has been on tuberculosis medications for about 3 weeks
Correct Answer: A,B,E
Rationale: These are all criteria for when a patient with active TB can return to public life (school, work, running errands). Until then they are still contagious and must stay home in isolation.
You may also like to solve these questions
Which agents should the nurse suspect as being the cause of the victims' symptoms? Select all that apply.
- A. Anthrax
- B. Sarin gas
- C. Smallpox
- D. Radiation
- E. Cyanide
- F. Ebola virus
Correct Answer: B, E
Rationale: Sarin gas and cyanide are chemical agents that can cause rapid onset of dyspnea, weakness, and nausea, consistent with the symptoms described.
The nurse is discussing the results of a tuberculosis skin test. Which explanation should the nurse provide the client?
- A. A red area is a positive reading that means the client has tuberculosis.
- B. The skin test is the only procedure needed to diagnose tuberculosis.
- C. A positive reading means exposure to the tuberculosis bacilli.
- D. Do not get another skin test for one (1) year if the skin test is positive.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A positive TB skin test (C) indicates exposure to TB bacilli, not active disease, requiring further testing (e.g., chest X-ray). Redness alone (A) is not diagnostic; induration is measured. The skin test (B) is not definitive for diagnosis. Annual testing (D) may be needed in high-risk groups.
When suctioning a client with a tracheostomy, when is the best time to occlude the vent on the suction catheter?
- A. Before inserting the catheter
- B. When inside the inner cannula
- C. While withdrawing the catheter
- D. When the client begins coughing
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Occluding the vent while withdrawing the catheter applies suction to remove secretions effectively.
A patient is ordered by the physician to take Pulmicort and Spiriva via inhaler. How should the patient take this medication?
- A. The patient should use the medications every 2 hours for acute episodes of shortness of breath.
- B. The patient should use the Spiriva first and then 5 minutes later the Pulmicort.
- C. The patient should use the Pulmicort first and then the Spiriva 5 minutes later.
- D. The patient should use the medications at the same exact time, regardless of the order.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Spiriva (anticholinergic) should be used first to open airways, followed by Pulmicort (corticosteroid) 5 minutes later to reduce inflammation. Every 2 hours is incorrect for maintenance drugs, and order matters (C, D).
The client diagnosed with ARDS is on a ventilator and the high alarm indicates an increase in the peak airway pressure. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Check the tubing for any kinks.
- B. Suction the airway for secretions.
- C. Assess the lip line of the ET tube.
- D. Sedate the client with a muscle relaxant.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: High airway pressure may result from kinks (A), a common cause requiring immediate check. Suctioning (B), lip line (C), and sedation (D) follow if needed.