Question

A patient who has active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) states, "I'm not going to take these TB pills!" Which of these responses by the nurse would be appropriate?

1) "You have a legal right to refuse to take this medication."
2) "You need to sign a Refusal of Treatment Form."
3) "You need to ask your doctor about the possibility of discontinuing the medication."
4) "You should know that the health department can require you to take the medication."

Answer 1

Option 4) "You should know that the health department can require you to take the medication." is the appropriate response by the nurse.

Step-by-step explanation:

Option 4) "You should know that the health department can require you to take the medication." is the appropriate response by the nurse in this situation.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly contagious disease that can be life-threatening if left untreated. The health department has the authority to enforce treatment for infectious diseases like TB to protect public health. By not taking the medication, the patient not only puts their own health at risk but also the health of others they come in contact with.

It is important for the patient to understand the seriousness of TB and the potential consequences of refusing treatment. The nurse should educate the patient on the importance of completing the prescribed treatment to prevent the development of drug-resistant strains of TB.