Question

An occupational health nurse in a factor is performing a routine TB screening and identifies an employee who has a positive Mantoux TB test. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

A) Isolate the employee immediately
B) Provide prophylactic treatment to the employee
C) Refer the employee for a chest X-ray
D) Report the positive test to the local health department

Answer 1

The nurse should refer the employee for a chest X-ray to confirm tuberculosis exposure.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should plan to refer the employee for a chest X-ray. A positive Mantoux TB test indicates that the employee has been exposed to the bacteria that cause tuberculosis.

However, a positive Mantoux test does not necessarily mean that the employee has active tuberculosis. The chest X-ray is needed to confirm whether there is any formation of Ghon complex, which is characteristic of tuberculosis.

Based on the results of the chest X-ray, further actions may be taken, such as isolating the employee if tuberculosis is confirmed.