Final answer:
The nurse should instruct the client with active TB to avoid contact with others until completing the medication course to prevent the spread of TB and ensure the effectiveness of treatment. Discontinuing treatment prematurely can lead to recurrent infections and the development of drug-resistant TB strains.
Step-by-step explanation:
When providing discharge instructions to a client who has active TB, it is important for the nurse to include critical information that ensures the patient's recovery and the prevention of spreading the disease to others. These instructions should reflect best practices in treatment adherence and infection control, as outlined by health authorities. The correct instruction from the options provided should be b) Avoid contact with others until completing the medication course.
Research and clinical practice show that TB treatment is effective but requires a sustained course of medication even if symptoms improve. Premature discontinuation of the therapy increases the risk of recurrent infection and development of drug-resistant strains of tuberculosis. Therefore, patients must adhere to the full prescribed treatment, even if they feel better, and follow up with healthcare providers as directed.
A follow-up visit should occur sooner than six months to assess the patient's response to treatment and adherence to the medication regimen. Additionally, directly observed therapy (DOT) may be recommended in some cases to ensure compliance with the treatment plan. Avoiding the intake of antibiotics with dairy products is not specifically recommended, and stopping medication if symptoms improve contradicts best practices in TB treatment