When educating clients in assisted living about tuberculosis, which essential point should the nurse include?

Covering the mouth when coughing is an essential point to include when educating clients about tuberculosis (TB) in assisted living settings. This practice is crucial because TB is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. By covering the mouth, individuals help reduce the spread of bacteria into the air, thereby protecting themselves and others around them.

This preventive measure emphasizes the importance of respiratory hygiene, especially in communal living environments where individuals may be at greater risk of exposure due to close contact. Reinforcing such practices is vital in lowering infection rates and ensuring the safety and health of all residents.

While obtaining a TB skin test is important for screening and diagnosis, it does not directly prevent the transmission of TB. Similarly, proper handwashing is essential for general infection control but is less effective specifically for respiratory diseases compared to covering the mouth while coughing. A yearly chest x-ray may be part of ongoing health monitoring, especially for those at higher risk, but it is not a preventive measure like covering the mouth when coughing.