Saunders Respiratory Practice

During an assessment of a client with TB, what would be a key question related to their medical history?

1. Have you experienced any weight gain recently?

2. Do you have a history of recent travel to rural areas?

3. Have you been vaccinated against for COVID-19?

4. Do you have a family history of asthma?

The correct answer is: Do you have a history of recent travel to rural areas?

When assessing a client with tuberculosis (TB), asking about a history of recent travel to rural areas is critical. This question is important because certain regions have higher prevalence rates of TB, particularly in rural or developing areas where health infrastructure may be less robust. Clients who have traveled to such areas may have been exposed to more virulent strains of the bacteria or have had an increased risk of coming into contact with infected individuals. Understanding the patient's travel history helps healthcare providers gauge the likelihood of TB exposure and informs subsequent diagnostic and treatment decisions. It also helps in evaluating the risk factors associated with the client's condition in a broader epidemiological context. The other options, while they may relate to general health, do not directly impact the assessment of TB exposure and risk. Weight gain may reflect other health concerns, a COVID-19 vaccination may be irrelevant to TB, and a family history of asthma does not correlate with TB infection. Thus, the travel history is pivotal in making an informed assessment regarding the client's TB risk.