What is an appropriate nursing intervention for a client with active tuberculosis?

Placing the client in a room that is ventilated to the outside is appropriate because active tuberculosis (TB) is primarily transmitted through airborne particles when an infected person coughs or sneezes. An adequately ventilated room helps to reduce the concentration of infectious droplets in the air, thereby minimizing the risk of transmission to others. This is crucial in controlling the spread of tuberculosis in healthcare settings.

Effective ventilation allows fresh air to circulate, diluting any potential pathogens and expelling contaminated air outside, which protects other patients, staff, and visitors. This intervention aligns with infection control practices essential for managing communicable diseases, especially ones as contagious as TB.

Other interventions, such as airborne precautions for all staff, would be necessary as well, but placing the client in a properly ventilated room is a fundamental first step in ensuring safety and containment. Encouraging increased social interactions or focusing solely on laboratory follow-ups without addressing the immediate environment would not adequately address the urgent need for infection control in this scenario.