A nurse is admitting a client who has tuberculosis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A. "I have trouble urinating if I eat acidic foods.": Difficulty urinating after consuming acidic foods is not associated with latex allergy. This symptom may be related to bladder irritation or interstitial cystitis rather than an immune response to latex-related proteins.

B. "I often have diarrhea after eating scrambled eggs.": Diarrhea after consuming eggs suggests a food intolerance or an allergy to egg proteins. However, egg allergy is not linked to an increased risk of latex allergy.

C. "I sometimes start to wheeze when I eat peanuts.": Wheezing after peanut consumption suggests a peanut allergy, which is not directly associated with latex allergy. However, individuals with multiple allergies may be at higher risk for allergic reactions in general.

D. "I break out in a rash when I eat strawberries.": A history of allergic reactions to strawberries suggests a possible latex-fruit syndrome. Certain fruits, such as strawberries, bananas, avocados, and kiwis, contain proteins similar to those found in latex, increasing the risk of latex hypersensitivity.

The first action the nurse should take is assess for dizziness when standing followed by increase dietary iron intake.

Rationale:

Assess for dizziness when standing: The client’s orthostatic hypotension (BP drops from 132/60 to 102/50 mmHg upon standing) and tachycardia (HR 108/min) suggest possible symptomatic anemia. Evaluating for dizziness ensures client safety and helps determine the severity of anemia-related hypoxia.

Increase dietary iron intake: The client has iron deficiency anemia (low hemoglobin, hematocrit, RBC count, and ferritin). Since they follow a vegan diet, increasing plant-based iron sources (e.g., leafy greens, legumes, fortified cereals) and vitamin C intake can improve iron absorption.

Incorrect:

Administer IV fluids: While anemia can cause orthostatic hypotension, fluid resuscitation is not the first-line intervention unless dehydration is present.

Check for signs of bleeding: The client reports no pain or discomfort, and there is no evidence of active bleeding. Anemia is more likely due to chronic dietary deficiency rather than acute blood loss.

Administer vitamin B12 supplements: The client’s vitamin B12 level is slightly low but not critically deficient. The primary issue is iron deficiency, not pernicious anemia.