# A client has fever, night sweats, weight loss, and a persistent cough with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis. Which action should the nurse take?

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=396599&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Standard/Transmission-Based Precautions/Surgical Asepsis  
> category: SIPC

## Question

A client has fever, night sweats, weight loss, and a persistent cough with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis. Which action should the nurse take?

## Option

1. Use standard precautions only because tuberculosis is spread by contact.
2. Place the client in a positive-pressure room with no mask for staff.
3. Initiate airborne precautions and use a fit-tested N95 respirator before room entry. **✔ Correct answer**
4. Keep the door open to improve air circulation.

**Correct answer: 3**

## Explanation

Suspected pulmonary tuberculosis requires airborne precautions, appropriate room placement, and respiratory protection such as a fit-tested N95 respirator. Standard precautions alone and positive-pressure placement are not appropriate. Keeping the door open can increase transmission risk.

## In-depth explanation

Clinical Judgment
Use the client cues, timing, labs, and safety risks to select the response that best fits Pulmonary tuberculosis precautions.

Memory Tip
Match the strongest cue cluster to the safest nursing judgment.

KR vs US
NCLEX items reward cue-based priority thinking rather than isolated recall.

## Clinical scenario

Clinical Practice Guide
For Pulmonary tuberculosis precautions, compare the complete cue pattern with the client's current stability, ordered data, and expected nursing scope.

Caution
Do not choose an action from one isolated cue when the full scenario changes priority or safety.

## Key concepts

- **Tuberculosis** — An airborne infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- **Airborne Precautions** — Precautions used for pathogens that can remain suspended in air over distance.
- **N95 Respirator** — A respirator used to reduce inhalation exposure to airborne particles when properly fitted.

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