A patient’s file in the clinic where you work indicates a positive test result for a communicable pulmonary condition that can be highly infectious and requires airborne precautions. What is your next step, in accordance to public health statutes?
Discuss the test result with the patient to emphasize adherence to treatment guidelines.
Continue with your routine tasks as diagnosis and reporting are the responsibilities of the physicians on staff.
Report the finding to the appropriate local or state health department without delay.
Schedule a staff meeting to determine the best approach to handle the patient's condition.