Question

Isoniazid is prescribed for a child with human immunodeficiency virus infection who has a positive Mantoux tuberculin skin test result. The mother of the child asks the nurse how long the child will need to take the medication. For how long should the nurse tell the mother the medication will need to be taken?

1) 4 months
2) 6 months
3) 9 months
4) 12 months

Answer 1

The child will need to take isoniazid medication for 9 months.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should tell the mother that the child will need to take isoniazid medication for 9 months. Isoniazid is commonly used in the treatment of tuberculosis, and treatment for this disease usually lasts for 6 to 9 months. Since the child has a positive Mantoux tuberculin skin test result, it is necessary to complete the full course of treatment to ensure the infection is fully treated and prevent the development of drug-resistant strains of tuberculosis.