A nurse is admitting a client who has tuberculosis and a productive cough. Which of the following types of isolation precautions should the nurse initiate for the client?

Choice A reason: This is incorrect. It is not best to take medication with meals. Rifampin is better absorbed when taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Taking rifampin with food can reduce its effectiveness and increase the risk of drug resistance. The nurse should advise the client to take the medication as directed by the doctor, and to avoid foods that can interact with rifampin, such as cheese, yogurt, or alcohol.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Treatment with this medication will not last for 1 month. Rifampin is usually given as part of a combination therapy for pulmonary tuberculosis, along with other drugs such as isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. The standard treatment regimen for drug susceptible tuberculosis consists of an intensive phase of 2 months, followed by a continuation phase of 4 or 7 months, depending on the drug regimen and the patient's response. The nurse should inform the client about the duration and the importance of completing the full course of treatment, even if the symptoms improve or the tests become negative.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect. This medication does not cause insomnia. Rifampin does not affect the sleep cycle or the quality of sleep. However, rifampin can cause other side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, or rash. The nurse should instruct the client to report any severe or persistent side effects to the doctor, and to avoid taking over-the-counter drugs or herbal supplements without consulting the doctor, as rifampin can interact with many other medications and reduce their effectiveness.
Choice D reason: This is correct. Urine and other secretions might turn orange. Rifampin can cause a harmless discoloration of body fluids, such as urine, saliva, sweat, tears, or breast milk. The color can range from orange to red or brown, depending on the concentration of the drug and the pH of the fluid. The nurse should reassure the client that this is a normal and expected effect of rifampin, and that it does not indicate any damage to the kidneys or other organs. The nurse should also warn the client that rifampin can stain contact lenses, dentures, or clothing, and advise the client to use disposable lenses, remove dentures before taking the drug, and wear dark colored clothes.

Choice A reason: Attaching a humidifier bottle to the base of the flow meter is a correct action for the nurse to take for a client who has pneumonia and a prescription for oxygen therapy at 5 L/min via nasal cannula. A humidifier bottle adds moisture to the oxygen gas, which can prevent dryness and irritation of the nasal passages and the mucous membranes. A humidifier bottle is recommended for oxygen flow rates above 4 L/min.

Choice B reason: Securing the oxygen tubing to the bed sheet near the client’s head is not a correct action for the nurse to take for a client who has pneumonia and a prescription for oxygen therapy at 5 L/min via nasal cannula. Securing the oxygen tubing to the bed sheet can cause the tubing to kink or twist, which can reduce the oxygen flow or delivery. The nurse should secure the oxygen tubing to the client’s clothing or gown, and ensure that there is enough slack to allow the client to move comfortably.

Choice C reason: Applying petroleum jelly to the nares as needed to soothe mucous membranes is not a correct action for the nurse to take for a client who has pneumonia and a prescription for oxygen therapy at 5 L/min via nasal cannula. Petroleum jelly is a flammable substance that can ignite when exposed to oxygen. The nurse should avoid using petroleum jelly or any other oil-based products on the client’s face or nose when using oxygen therapy. The nurse should use water-based products, such as saline gel or nasal spray, to moisturize the nares and mucous membranes.

Choice D reason: Removing the nasal cannula while the client eats is not a correct action for the nurse to take for a client who has pneumonia and a prescription for oxygen therapy at 5 L/min via nasal cannula. Removing the nasal cannula can cause hypoxia, which is a low level of oxygen in the blood. The nurse should keep the nasal cannula in place while the client eats, and monitor the client’s oxygen saturation and respiratory status. The nurse should also assist the client with eating, and encourage small bites and sips to prevent aspiration.