Question

An adult patient has tested positive for tuberculosis (TB). While providing patient teaching, what information should the nurse prioritize?

A) The importance of adhering closely to the prescribed medication regimen
B) The fact that the disease is a lifelong, chronic condition that will affect ADLs
C) The fact that TB is selflimiting, but can take up to 2 years to resolve
D) The need to work closely with the occupational and physical therapists

Answer 1

The nurse should prioritize teaching the importance of adhering to the prescribed TB medication regimen to prevent the development of drug-resistant TB strains. The full treatment course can last 6 months to a year and must be completed to effectively cure the infection.

Step-by-step explanation:

Priority Information for a Patient with Tuberculosis (TB)

When providing patient education for someone who has tested positive for tuberculosis (TB), the nurse should prioritize conveying the importance of adhering closely to the prescribed medication regimen. Nonadherence can lead to antibiotic resistance, making treatment more difficult. This is particularly concerning because tuberculosis is one of the deadliest infectious diseases, and failing to adhere to the full course of treatment can cause a relapse and contribute to the development of multidrug-resistant (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR-TB) strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

The full course of TB treatment typically lasts from 6 months up to 1 year, depending on the case. Patients must understand that while symptoms may improve rapidly, the bacteria can remain in the body for longer, and stopping medication too soon can lead to a recurrence of the disease. It is crucial to follow the multidrug protocols precisely as prescribed to effectively eradicate the infection.