Final answer:
The nurse should take airborne precautions when administering medication to a client with active TB. Airborne precautions include using a respiratory mask and ensuring that the room is well-ventilated to minimize the risk of exposure to the bacteria.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse should take airborne precautions when administering medication to a client with active TB. Tuberculosis is primarily transmitted through the air when infected individuals cough or sneeze, creating droplet nuclei that contain the tubercle bacilli. These small particles can remain suspended in the air for long periods of time and can be inhaled by others.
Airborne precautions include using a respiratory mask and ensuring that the room is well-ventilated to minimize the risk of exposure to the bacteria. It is also important to limit the number of staff and visitors in the room, as well as providing education on hand hygiene and proper disposal of any contaminated items.