Saunders Respiratory Practice

What finding should the nurse expect when collecting data from a client with tuberculosis (TB)?

1. Productive cough

2. Rapid weight gain

3. High fever

4. Complaints of night sweats

The correct answer is: Complaints of night sweats

In the context of tuberculosis (TB), a finding that a nurse should anticipate when collecting data from a client is complaints of night sweats. Night sweats are a common symptom of TB due to the body's response to the infection. The bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis can cause systemic manifestations, and excessive sweating at night is often reported by individuals with active TB. This symptom, alongside others such as a chronic cough and potential weight loss, is indicative of the body's attempt to fight off the infection. While the presence of a productive cough can also be associated with TB, it is not guaranteed in every case and may not be the most consistent finding, especially in the early stages. Rapid weight gain is not characteristic of TB, as the disease typically leads to weight loss and anorexia due to increased metabolic demands and overall systemic impact. A high fever might occur but is not as consistently reported as night sweats; TB often features low-grade fevers, rather than persistent high fevers. Therefore, among the options presented, complaints of night sweats stand out as a notable and expectable finding in patients with tuberculosis.