Stage 6 — Evaluate outcomes. Review the isolation, diagnostic, treatment, and exposure-follow-up timeline and answer the three outcome questions.
Trend
Choose your responses, then check the answer.
Explanation
Outcome evaluation Airborne precautions must continue because the client remains symptomatic, two smears are positive, the third is pending, and no alternative diagnosis explains the syndrome. The investigation is appropriately risk-based when the immunocompromised roommate and young child receive prompt evaluation and healthcare-personnel follow-up reflects prior test history. For personnel with a prior negative test, an immediate test plus repeat testing 8 to 10 weeks after the last exposure if initially negative closes the testing window. NAAT supports rapid diagnosis but does not replace culture and susceptibility results needed for definitive regimen decisions.
Isolation outcome Do not use one improved assessment or a single preliminary result to end airborne precautions. Here, ongoing symptoms and positive smears make continuation clear.
Contact outcome Effective follow-up is neither universal treatment nor no action. It prioritizes vulnerable and intensely exposed contacts and records who needs symptom evaluation, immediate testing, later testing, or additional medical evaluation.
Diagnostic and treatment outcome NAA testing accelerates identification. Culture and drug-susceptibility testing remain essential, and treatment is coordinated with TB expertise and public health.
NCLEX rule Evaluate whether exposure stopped, isolation remains indicated, diagnostics are complete, treatment is tolerated, and follow-up has dates and owners.
Scenario (Stage 6 — Evaluate outcomes)Forty-eight hours after recognition, the client remains in an AIIR on treatment while smear, culture, susceptibility, and contact follow-up continue.
Window-period retesting — Repeat IGRA or TST 8 to 10 weeks after the last exposure for an exposed person with a prior negative test whose immediate post-exposure test remains negative.
Prior-positive healthcare personnel — Personnel with documented prior positive TB testing generally receive symptom evaluation after exposure rather than repeat infection testing, with further evaluation if symptoms or risk indicate.
Microbiologic completion — Use smear and NAA for rapid information while completing culture, identification, susceptibility testing, and public-health coordination.