Final answer:
An inactive patient is one who has not adhered to their prescribed treatment plan within a certain time frame, which could vary by condition or provider. This nonadherence can contribute to drug resistance and the development of drug-resistant disease strains, particularly in long-term treatments like for tuberculosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
An inactive patient is typically defined as someone who has not received medical treatment or consultation within a specified time frame, which can vary depending on the healthcare provider's policy or the type of medical condition being treated. For example, in the context of managing chronic conditions like tuberculosis (TB), an inactive patient could be someone who hasn't continued with the recommended long course of treatment, often lasting 6 months to a year. This nonadherence is problematic as it can lead to drug resistance, making pathogens harder to control and treat.
Moreover, the lack of adherence can contribute to the rise of multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant strains of diseases such as TB. Such resistance can emerge when patients prematurely discontinue their antibiotic treatment because they feel better or fail to comprehend the importance of completing the full course prescribed by their healthcare provider.