Which of the following patients should the nurse consider as having a higher risk for malnutrition?

Choice A rationale

Periorbital edema is not typically associated with the progression of systemic scleroderma.
Choice B rationale
Excessive salivation is not typically associated with the progression of systemic scleroderma.
Choice C rationale
Finger contractures can be expected in a client diagnosed with systemic scleroderma. As the disease progresses, it can cause tightening and hardening of the skin, which can lead to contractures.
Choice D rationale
Thinning of the skin is not typically associated with the progression of systemic scleroderma. In fact, the disease often causes the skin to thicken.

Choice A rationale
While having a room within view of the nurses’ station can be beneficial for monitoring the patient, it does not specifically address the needs of a patient with active tuberculosis.
Choice B rationale
Placing a patient with active tuberculosis in a room with another non-surgical patient could potentially expose the other patient to the disease. Tuberculosis is an airborne disease and can easily spread to others in close proximity.
Choice C rationale
A room with air exhaust directly to the outdoor environment is the most appropriate choice for a patient with active tuberculosis. This type of room, known as a negative pressure room, helps prevent the spread of airborne diseases like tuberculosis. The air in the room is vented outside, reducing the risk of the disease spreading to other areas of the hospital.
Choice D rationale
While the ICU is equipped to handle severe and critical cases, a patient with active tuberculosis does not necessarily need to be in the ICU unless they are critically ill. Moreover, placing them in the ICU could potentially expose other critically ill patients to tuberculosis.