NCLEX: A 44-year-old client in airborne isolation is being evaluated for communicable respiratory infection. Assessment…

Microbiology Safety and Infection Prevention and Control

Case Study

A 44-year-old client in airborne isolation is being evaluated for communicable respiratory infection. Assessment data include isolation precautions ordered for confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis. Which nurse response best supports psychosocial integrity?

Question

A. False reassurance that nothing is wrong.
B. Changing the subject when the client expresses fear.
C. Promising outcomes that cannot be guaranteed.
D. Therapeutic presence, active listening, validation, and suicide or violence screening when indicated.

Rationale

Correct answer: D. Therapeutic presence, active listening, validation, and suicide or violence screening when indicated.

Rationale: Psychosocial integrity items reward therapeutic communication and appropriate safety screening, not avoidance or false promises.

Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.

Level: Clinical

Difficulty: Medium

Subtopic: Transmission-based precautions