A nurse is assessing a client who has pulmonary tuberculosis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Rationale: A. High-grade fever is incorrect because tuberculosis (TB) typically causes low-grade, persistent fevers, especially in the afternoon or evening, rather than sudden high-grade fevers. High fevers may suggest another concurrent infection. B. Weight gain is incorrect because pulmonary TB usually causes weight loss, anorexia, and muscle wasting due to chronic infection and systemic inflammation. C. Lethargy is correct because TB is a chronic infection that leads to fatigue and weakness. The body’s prolonged immune response, combined with night sweats, fever, and reduced appetite, often results in decreased energy and general malaise. Lethargy is a common systemic manifestation of pulmonary TB. D. Dry cough is partially incorrect because the cough in pulmonary TB usually starts dry but becomes productive as the disease progresses, sometimes with hemoptysis (blood-tinged sputum). A persistent productive cough is more characteristic of active TB.