A charge nurse has four new clients arriving on the unit for admission. Which of the following clients should the nurse place in airborne precautions?
A client who has tuberculosis.
A client who has pneumonia.
A client who has shigella.
A client who has strep throat.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs and is spread through airborne particles. When a person with active TB coughs, sneezes, or talks, they release tiny droplets containing the bacteria into the air, which can be inhaled by others1. Therefore, placing a client with TB in airborne precautions is essential to prevent the spread of the infection. This involves using a negative pressure room and requiring healthcare workers to wear N95 respirators or higher-level protection.
Choice B Reason:
Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which can fill with fluid or pus. While pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, it is typically spread through respiratory droplets rather than airborne particles. Therefore, droplet precautions, rather than airborne precautions, are usually sufficient for managing clients with pneumonia. This includes wearing masks and maintaining a safe distance from the infected person.
Choice C Reason:
Shigella is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the intestines and is spread through the fecal-oral route. It is not transmitted through the air, so airborne precautions are not necessary. Instead, contact precautions are recommended to prevent the spread of Shigella, which involves wearing gloves and gowns when handling the patient or their environment and practicing good hand hygiene.
Choice D Reason:
Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus. It is spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Similar to pneumonia, droplet precautions are sufficient for managing clients with strep throat. This includes wearing masks and maintaining a safe distance from the infected person to prevent the spread of the bacteria.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Telling the client to ask their provider if they recommend traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a cautious approach, but it may not fully address the client’s interest in exploring alternative treatments. While it is important for the client to discuss their treatment options with their provider, the nurse can take a more proactive role by facilitating access to TCM practitioners.
Choice B Reason:
Suggesting that the client try the prescribed medication before choosing an alternative may come across as dismissive of the client’s preferences. It is important to respect the client’s autonomy and support their informed decision-making. Encouraging the client to explore TCM while also considering the prescribed medication can be a more balanced approach.
Choice C Reason:
Stating that the FDA regulates traditional Chinese medicine is inaccurate. The FDA does not regulate TCM in the same way it regulates conventional pharmaceuticals. TCM practices and products are subject to different regulatory standards, and it is important for the nurse to provide accurate information about the regulatory status of TCM.
Choice D Reason:
Offering to arrange a referral to a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine is an appropriate and supportive response. This approach respects the client’s interest in TCM and facilitates access to qualified practitioners who can provide safe and effective care. It also ensures that the client receives comprehensive information about their treatment options.

Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
A family whose only child recently died due to cancer is experiencing a significant and traumatic loss. This type of loss is categorized as a situational loss because it is unexpected and not part of the normal life cycle. Situational losses are typically sudden and can cause profound grief and disruption in the family’s life. The death of a child is one of the most devastating events a family can endure, leading to intense emotional pain and a long grieving process.
Choice B Reason:
A family whose oldest child is moving away for college is experiencing a maturational loss. Maturational losses are those that occur as part of normal life transitions and developmental stages. These losses are anticipated and expected as individuals grow and progress through different phases of life. The transition of a child moving away for college is a common maturational loss, as it signifies a significant change in the family dynamic and the child’s development into adulthood.
Choice C Reason:
A family whose house was destroyed in a fire is dealing with a situational loss. This type of loss is unexpected and can have a severe impact on the family’s sense of security and stability. The destruction of a home involves not only the loss of physical property but also the emotional attachment and memories associated with the home. Recovering from such a loss requires significant emotional and practical adjustments.
Choice D Reason:
A family whose head of household lost their job is experiencing a situational loss. Job loss can lead to financial instability and stress, affecting the entire family’s well-being. This type of loss is not part of the normal developmental process and can create significant challenges for the family as they navigate the uncertainty and potential changes in their lifestyle.
