Question

A client with tuberculosis (TB) asks the nurse about precautions to take after discharge to prevent infection of others. The nurse develops a response to the client's question based on which correct understanding of TB transmission?

a) Infectiousness ceases after the client has been on antibiotics for three days.
b) Infection risk persists for two weeks after treatment initiation.
c) There is no risk of transmission once the client feels better.
d) The client will remain infectious until treatment is completed.

Answer 1

To prevent the spread of tuberculosis after discharge, patients must complete the full course of TB treatment, as infectiousness can persist beyond the initial relief of symptoms, and stopping treatment early can contribute to antibiotic resistance and recurrence of infection.

Step-by-step explanation:

The client with tuberculosis should be informed that they will remain potentially infectious to others until they have completed the full course of treatment for TB. While antibiotics can relieve symptoms quite quickly, often in a matter of weeks, they do not immediately eliminate the risk of transmitting the infection to others. Infection risk can persist beyond the initial relief of symptoms, and prematurely discontinuing treatment may lead to a recurrence of infection and contribute to antibiotic resistance. Due to the risk of transmission, it is critical that treatment is adhered to for its full duration, which can last from 6 months to a year, to ensure the elimination of the infection and to prevent the spread of TB to others.