Final answer:
The management of tuberculosis using isoniazid (INH) involves performing drug-susceptibility testing, adjusting the drug regimen based on the results, and closely monitoring patient compliance during therapy. Long-term treatment is also required for tuberculosis management.
Step-by-step explanation:
The management of tuberculosis using isoniazid (INH) involves several considerations for optimizing therapeutic outcomes.
- Perform drug-susceptibility testing on the sputum and initiate a regimen with multiple anti-tubercular drugs before the susceptibility test results are known. This is important because delays in starting treatment can lead to the progression of the disease and potential transmission to others.
- Adjust the drug regimen once the results of the susceptibility test are available. This ensures that the treatment is tailored to the specific strain of tuberculosis and helps prevent the development of drug resistance.
- Monitor patient compliance closely during therapy, as problems with successful therapy often stem from patient non-adherence and the increased incidence of drug-resistant organisms.
Recognize that long-term treatment lasting many months or even years is a standard requirement for tuberculosis management.