What finding requires follow-up care for a client who received a Mantoux test?

When interpreting a Mantoux test, also known as a tuberculin skin test, the presence of induration at the injection site is a significant finding. Induration is a raised, hardened area that indicates a reaction to the tuberculin. The size of the induration is crucial for determining the significance of the reaction; it can indicate exposure to the tuberculosis bacteria and may suggest the need for further evaluation or treatment.

Follow-up care is warranted to assess the size of the induration, review the patient's history, and possibly order additional diagnostic tests, such as a chest X-ray or sputum test, to rule out active tuberculosis disease. The extent of the induration can be influenced by factors like history of tuberculosis, immunosuppression, or recent exposure to someone with active TB.

In contrast, a normal skin reaction would not require follow-up care as it indicates no significant reaction to the test. Itching may indicate a localized allergic reaction but does not necessarily correlate with tuberculosis exposure. Similarly, being asymptomatic, without any abnormal findings, means there are no immediate concerns that need addressing.