Final answer:
During TB treatment, monitoring liver and renal function, visual acuity, treatment adherence, and TB symptoms are crucial to ensure treatment effectiveness and manage side effects. Directly observed therapy (DOT) is recommended to improve adherence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The treatment of tuberculosis (TB) is complex and requires careful monitoring to ensure effectiveness and manage potential adverse effects. Several aspects of the patient's condition should be monitored during TB treatment:
- Liver function tests to detect hepatotoxicity, especially when medications like isoniazid and rifampin are used, as they can cause liver damage.
- Renal function to ensure that drugs are being properly excreted and not accumulating to toxic levels, particularly in patients with pre-existing kidney issues.
- Visual acuity tests, as drugs like ethambutol can affect vision.
- Adherence to the treatment regimen is critical to prevent the development of drug-resistant strains of M. tuberculosis, such as MDR-TB and XDR-TB.
- Symptoms to ensure that the treatment is effective and that the disease is not progressing.
Directly observed therapy (DOT) is recommended to improve treatment adherence, which is particularly important in TB treatment due to the long duration of therapy and the risk of developing resistance. Regular screening via methods such as the Mantoux tuberculin skin test and chest radiographs may also be used for monitoring exposure and progression of the disease.