# A client has a persistent cough, night sweats, weight loss, and a chest x-ray suspicious for tuberculosis. Which infection control action is appropriate?

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=397268&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Standard/Transmission-Based Precautions/Surgical Asepsis  
> category: SIPC

## Question

A client has a persistent cough, night sweats, weight loss, and a chest x-ray suspicious for tuberculosis. Which infection control action is appropriate?

## Option

1. Use standard precautions only until sputum culture results return.
2. Place the client in a positive-pressure protective room.
3. Use contact precautions and a surgical mask for staff.
4. Place the client in airborne precautions and use a fit-tested N95 respirator. **✔ Correct answer**

**Correct answer: 4**

## Explanation

Suspected pulmonary tuberculosis requires airborne precautions and appropriate respiratory protection, such as a fit-tested N95 respirator. Standard or contact precautions alone are insufficient. Protective positive-pressure rooms are used for selected immunocompromised clients, not infectious TB isolation.

## In-depth explanation

Clinical Judgment
Use the client cues, timing, labs, and safety risks to select the response that best fits Suspected 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 Suspected 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 spread by small airborne particles.
- **N95 Respirator** — A respirator used to reduce inhalation of airborne particles when properly fitted.

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