Question

A patient with a productive cough, chills, and night sweats is suspected of having active tuberculosis. The most important initial intervention by the nurse would be:

a) Administering a broad-spectrum antibiotic
b) Initiating isolation precautions
c) Administering a bronchodilator
d) Recommending bed rest

Answer 1

The most important initial intervention for a patient suspected of having active tuberculosis is to initiate isolation precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.

Step-by-step explanation:

A patient with a productive cough, chills, and night sweats suspected of having active tuberculosis (TB) requires immediate medical attention. The most important initial intervention by the nurse would be to initiate isolation precautions.

This step is critical in preventing the spread of the infection, as TB is highly contagious through airborne particles when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or spits.

Initiating isolation precautions protects not only other patients but also healthcare workers and the general public from possible transmission.

After isolation measures are in place, the patient must undergo diagnostic testing and be managed with appropriate treatment, which could include a multidrug antibacterial regimen once the diagnosis is confirmed.