A public health nurse learns that a client is being treated for active tuberculosis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent the spread of tuberculosis within the community?
Ensure client adherence to the medication regimen.
Perform tuberculosis screenings throughout the community.
Report the active case to the public health department.
Provide education to the community about the manifestations of tuberculosis.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Ensuring client adherence to the medication regimen is crucial in the treatment of tuberculosis. However, this action alone does not prevent the spread of the disease within the community. Adherence ensures that the client's condition improves and reduces the risk of developing drug-resistant strains of tuberculosis.
Choice B reason: Performing tuberculosis screenings throughout the community is a proactive measure to identify new cases, but it is not the most immediate action required when a nurse learns of an active case. Screenings are part of a broader strategy to control tuberculosis.
Choice C reason: Reporting the active case to the public health department is the correct action. It allows for the implementation of public health measures to prevent the spread of tuberculosis. The health department can initiate contact tracing and ensure that those exposed are tested and treated if necessary.
Choice D reason: Providing education about the manifestations of tuberculosis is important for community awareness, but it is not the immediate action required to prevent the spread. Education is a long-term strategy to help the community recognize symptoms and seek early treatment.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This statement is not the first action, as it does not address the immediate needs of the students. Contacting the local health department may be necessary to report a potential outbreak or environmental hazard, but it is not a priority.
Choice B reason: This statement is the first action, as it addresses the immediate needs of the students. Establishing a triage area can help the nurse assess the severity of the symptoms, identify the possible cause, and provide appropriate interventions.
Choice C reason: This statement is not the first action, as it may not be appropriate for all students. Administering oxygen therapy may be necessary for some students who have severe respiratory distress, but it is not a universal intervention.
Choice D reason: This statement is not the first action, as it does not address the immediate needs of the students. Notifying the parents of the students may be necessary to inform them of the situation and obtain consent for treatment, but it is not a priority.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Wearing gloves when discarding the syringes is not necessary, as long as the syringes are placed in a sharps disposal container immediately after use. Gloves do not prevent needle-stick injuries or infections¹.
Choice B reason: Storing used syringes in a biohazard bag before discarding is not recommended, as biohazard bags are not puncture-resistant and may leak or spill. Biohazard bags are also not accepted by most disposal programs².
Choice C reason: Taking containers of used syringes to the local recycling center is not appropriate, as recycling centers do not accept medical waste. Recycling centers may also expose workers and the environment to potential hazards from the syringes³.
Choice D reason: Discarding the syringes in a metal container is a correct way to dispose of insulin needles, as long as the container is labeled as "Sharps" and has a tight-fitting lid. Metal containers, such as coffee cans or detergent bottles, are strong and durable and can prevent needle-stick injuries. Metal containers can be dropped off at designated collection sites or mailed back to disposal programs.
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