Question

A client with tuberculosis who has been on combined therapy with Rifadin (rifampin) and INH (isoniazid) asks the nurse how long he will have to take medication. The nurse should tell the client that:

Medication is rarely needed after two weeks.
He will need to take medication the rest of his life.
The course of combined therapy is usually six months.

Answer 1

The client being treated for tuberculosis with Rifadin (rifampin) and INH (isoniazid) should expect to continue the medication for a standard course of six months to prevent drug resistance and ensure complete treatment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The course of combined therapy for tuberculosis (TB) with Rifadin (rifampin) and INH (isoniazid) is usually six months. This regimen aims to ensure the full eradication of the TB bacteria and prevent the development of drug resistance, a growing concern in global health.

Adherence to the entire course of treatment is critical, as it decreases the chance of relapse and the spread of multidrug-resistant TB strains. While antibiotics may alleviate symptoms relatively quickly, prematurely discontinuing treatment is associated with higher rates of recurrent TB infections.