Question

A nurse is providing education to a client who has tuberculosis (TB) and his family. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

A) "Isolation precautions are necessary only during active coughing."
B) "Family members should receive the TB vaccine immediately."
C) "Completing the entire course of medication is crucial for recovery."
D) "TB is only transmitted through direct person-to-person contact."

Answer 1

The key information to include in TB education is the importance of completing the full course of medication. Additionally, TB is airborne and can spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or spits, which underscores the need for isolation precautions. BCG vaccine usage varies, and family members should consult with a healthcare provider.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should include the following essential information while educating a client who has tuberculosis (TB) and their family: "Completing the entire course of medication is crucial for recovery." This is critical because TB is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which requires a lengthy treatment regimen to ensure that the infection is fully eradicated. Failing to complete the medication course can lead to a resurgence of the infection and contribute to antibiotic resistance.

Tuberculosis is particularly contagious and can be spread through airborne particles released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or spits. It is vital for the patient to follow isolation precautions, not only during active coughing, to prevent spreading the disease to others. Family members may need to be tested for TB, but a TB vaccine, known as bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), is not commonly administered in the United States; its effectiveness also varies globally.

D) "TB is only transmitted through direct person-to-person contact," is inaccurate because TB is primarily spread through the air rather than direct contact. The statement A) "Isolation precautions are necessary only during active coughing," is also misleading because TB can be transmitted whenever the infected person releases bacteria into the air, not just while coughing.

Concerning B) about a TB vaccine, it is important to note that BCG is not widely used in the United States, and it may not be immediately necessary for family members unless recommended by a healthcare provider. Furthermore, receiving BCG can result in a positive reaction to a tuberculin skin test, complicating further TB screening efforts in countries where the vaccine is regularly used.