A patient is admitted with active tuberculosis (TB). The nurse should question a health care provider's order to discontinue airborne precautions unless which assessment finding is documented?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Repeated negative sputum smears indicate that Mycobacterium tuberculosis is not present in the sputum,and the patient cannot transmit the bacteria by the airborne route. Chest x-rays are not used to determine whether treatment has been successful. Taking medications for 6 months is necessary,but the multidrug-resistant forms of the disease might not be eradicated after 6 months of therapy. Repeat Mantoux testing would not be done because the result will not change even with effective treatment.

A Patient Is Admitted with Active Tuberculosis (TB)