A nurse is reinforcing teaching about sexual activity during pregnancy for a client in a monogamous, same-sex relationship. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

A chest x-ray is an essential diagnostic tool for evaluating a client with symptoms such as a productive cough, blood-tinged sputum, weight loss, night sweats, and a low-grade fever. These findings raise suspicion for tuberculosis (TB), particularly given the client’s recent travel to South Africa, where TB is more prevalent. A chest x-ray can help identify characteristic abnormalities such as upper lobe infiltrates, cavitations, or pleural effusions that are consistent with pulmonary TB.

A nasopharyngeal swab is primarily used to detect viral respiratory infections, such as influenza or COVID-19. While the client presents with a cough and fever, the chronic nature of symptoms and presence of hemoptysis make a viral infection less likely. Furthermore, viral infections typically present with acute onset symptoms rather than a prolonged illness with weight loss and night sweats.

Blood cultures are used to identify systemic bacterial infections, such as bacteremia or sepsis. Although the client has a fever, there are no indications of severe systemic infection, such as hypotension or signs of shock, making blood cultures a lower priority in this case.

A pulmonary function test evaluates lung function in conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The client has no history of these conditions, and their primary complaint involves symptoms suggestive of an infectious process rather than an obstructive pulmonary disease. Pulmonary function testing is not indicated for diagnosing TB or other respiratory infections.

A Mantoux test (tuberculin skin test) is a key diagnostic tool in assessing tuberculosis exposure. Given the client’s symptoms and travel history, this test helps determine prior exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the likelihood of latent or active infection. A positive test would support further diagnostic testing, such as sputum cultures, to confirm active TB disease.

A. The client's next dressing change is scheduled in 4 hr. While the next dressing change is relevant to nursing care, it may not be critical for all members of the interprofessional team. The focus of the meeting should be on issues that impact the overall care plan and interdisciplinary collaboration.
B. The client's vital signs are checked every 8 hr. Checking vital signs every 8 hours is more specific to nursing care and may not be necessary for other team members to know unless there are concerns related to the client's condition that could affect their care.
C. The client has developed difficulty ambulating. Difficulty ambulating is important for the interprofessional team as it impacts the client's mobility, safety, and overall care plan. Difficulty ambulating may require the involvement of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and adjustments to the care approach, making it a critical point for discussion.
D. The client has state-sponsored health insurance. Having state-sponsored health insurance is relevant to the financial and administrative aspects of care, but it may not directly influence the clinical care decisions made by the interprofessional team and may not need to be addressed during the meeting.