Question

A nurse is preparing to administer a new prescription for INH to a light-skinned client who has TB. The nurse should instruct the client to report which of the following findings as an adverse effect of the medication?

A. "You might notice yellowing of your skin."
B. "You might experience pain in your joints."
C. "You might notice tingling of your hands."
D. "You might experience a loss of appetite."

Answer 1

The client taking isoniazid for TB should report a loss of appetite as a potential side effect. Isoniazid's side effects include hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and anemia. Complete adherence to the prescribed treatment regimen is critical to avoid antibiotic resistance and recurrent infection.

Step-by-step explanation:

The client who has been prescribed isoniazid (INH) for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB) should be instructed to report any loss of appetite, as it can be an adverse effect of the medication. Isoniazid is an antimicrobial agent that requires activation within the bacteria to exert its effect. It inhibits the synthesis of mycolic acid, which is crucial for the cell walls of mycobacteria. Patients should be made aware that while isoniazid is effective, it can have side effects such as hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and hematologic toxicity (anemia). Additionally, isoniazid has structural similarities to vitamin B6, which explains why infants may suffer convulsions when treated with the drug for TB.

Worldwide, health officials are concerned about antibiotic resistance, and the use of antibiotics in TB involves a prolonged treatment course to fully eradicate the infection. Nonadherence to the full course can lead to drug resistance and recurrent TB infection. This highlights the importance of educating patients on the necessity of completing the prescribed treatment regimen.