PN Adult Medical Surgical Practice Exam

In teaching a client with a new diagnosis of tuberculosis, which information should the nurse emphasize?

1. Weekly sputum cultures will be needed.

2. Household family members should be tested for TB.

3. TB is no longer contagious after 2 to 3 days of medication therapy.

4. Family members should wear N95 masks when in contact with the client.

The correct answer is: Household family members should be tested for TB.

Emphasizing the importance of testing household family members for tuberculosis is crucial because TB is highly contagious, and individuals living in close proximity to someone diagnosed with the disease are at a higher risk of contracting it. By identifying and screening family members, the nurse can help ensure early detection and treatment, which is vital in controlling the spread of the infection. Testing household members can prevent further transmission and allows for the timely initiation of therapy, potentially reducing morbidity and complications associated with TB. In addition, understanding that TB can be transmitted in close-contact situations helps reinforce public health measures and promotes a comprehensive approach to care. Although the other options carry important information related to TB management, the primary focus on family testing highlights the preventive aspect of nursing care in infectious diseases. Weekly sputum cultures, while necessary for monitoring treatment effectiveness, do not address prevention. Moreover, while effective medication therapy significantly reduces contagion and personal protective equipment such as N95 masks can protect those in contact with the infected individual, these measures are secondary to ensuring that those at risk are tested and receive appropriate care.