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    ATI LPN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam

    A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who presents to the emergency department. Exhibits Drag words from the choices below to fill in each blank in the following To further evaluate the client, the nurse anticipates the client will need dropdownanddropdown

    Explanation & Rationale

    A chest x-ray is an essential diagnostic tool for evaluating a client with symptoms such as a productive cough, blood-tinged sputum, weight loss, night sweats, and a low-grade fever. These findings raise suspicion for tuberculosis (TB), particularly given the client’s recent travel to South Africa, where TB is more prevalent. A chest x-ray can help identify characteristic abnormalities such as upper lobe infiltrates, cavitations, or pleural effusions that are consistent with pulmonary TB. A nasopharyngeal swab is primarily used to detect viral respiratory infections, such as influenza or COVID-19. While the client presents with a cough and fever, the chronic nature of symptoms and presence of hemoptysis make a viral infection less likely. Furthermore, viral infections typically present with acute onset symptoms rather than a prolonged illness with weight loss and night sweats. Blood cultures are used to identify systemic bacterial infections, such as bacteremia or sepsis. Although the client has a fever, there are no indications of severe systemic infection, such as hypotension or signs of shock, making blood cultures a lower priority in this case. A pulmonary function test evaluates lung function in conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The client has no history of these conditions, and their primary complaint involves symptoms suggestive of an infectious process rather than an obstructive pulmonary disease. Pulmonary function testing is not indicated for diagnosing TB or other respiratory infections. A Mantoux test (tuberculin skin test) is a key diagnostic tool in assessing tuberculosis exposure. Given the client’s symptoms and travel history, this test helps determine prior exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the likelihood of latent or active infection. A positive test would support further diagnostic testing, such as sputum cultures, to confirm active TB disease.

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