Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is caring for a client who has a history of exposure to TB and symptoms of night sweats and hemoptysis. Which of the following tests should the nurse realize is the most reliable to confirm the diagnosis of active pulmonary TB?
A. Mantoux test
B. Sputum culture for acid-fast bacillus
This is because sputum culture can identify the presence and type of mycobacteria that cause TB, while other tests can only indicate exposure or infection. Sputum culture results may take several weeks, so treatment should be initiated based on clinical suspicion and other tests.
C. Sputum smear
D. Chest x-ray
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - ATI SP 250 Exam 3 Med Surg Proctored Exam. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
This is because sputum culture can identify the presence and type of mycobacteria that cause TB, while other tests can only indicate exposure or infection. Sputum culture results may take several weeks, so treatment should be initiated based on clinical suspicion and other tests.
Similar Questions
A nurse is assessing a client who has pulmonary tuberculosis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Lethargy
This is because pulmonary tuberculosis causes inflammation and damage to the lungs, which reduces oxygen exchange and leads to fatigue and weakness.
B. Dry cough
C. Weight gain
D. High-grade fever
Full Explanation
This is because pulmonary tuberculosis causes inflammation and damage to the lungs, which reduces oxygen exchange and leads to fatigue and weakness.
A nurse in an emergency room is caring a the client who sustained partial-thickness burns to both lower legs, chest, face, and both forearms. Which of the following is the priority action the nurse should take?
A. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter.
B. Draw blood for a complete blood cell (CBC) count.
C. Inspect the mouth for signs of inhalation injuries.
This is because inhalation injuries can compromise the airway and cause respiratory distress or failure, which can be life-threatening. The nurse should assess for signs such as soot, burns, hoarseness, or stridor.
D. Administer intravenous pain medication.
Full Explanation
This is because inhalation injuries can compromise the airway and cause respiratory distress or failure, which can be life-threatening. The nurse should assess for signs such as soot, burns, hoarseness, or stridor.
A nurse in a clinic is collecting a history from a client who reports that a member of his family just received a diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. The nurse should expect that the provider will prescribe which of the following diagnostic tests first?
A. Nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT)
This is because a NAAT can detect the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA in a sputum sample within hours, which can confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment decisions. A sputum culture for AFB can take several weeks to yield results, while a chest x-ray or a CT scan can only show suggestive findings but not confirm the diagnosis.
B. Sputum culture for acid-fast bacillus (AFB)
C. Chest x-ray
D. CT scan
Full Explanation
This is because a NAAT can detect the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA in a sputum sample within hours, which can confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment decisions. A sputum culture for AFB can take several weeks to yield results, while a chest x-ray or a CT scan can only show suggestive findings but not confirm the diagnosis.