ADH Ex2 Tuberculosis: Diagnosis, Airborne Precautions, and RIPE Therapy

What bacterium causes Tuberculosis?

Mycobacterium tuberculosis

How does active pulmonary TB spread?

Through airborne particles produced when an infected person coughs, speaks, or sneezes.

What is a Ghon tubercle?

A granuloma that walls off bacteria, keeping the infection dormant.

What are the symptoms of active TB disease?

Persistent cough, fever, night sweats, fatigue, and weight loss.

What is the difference between latent TB infection and active TB disease?

Latent TB is asymptomatic and not contagious, while active TB is symptomatic and can be contagious.

What conditions can allow latent TB to become active?

Weakened immunity due to HIV, diabetes, certain medications, or older age.

What are some risk factors for Tuberculosis?

Close contact with infected individuals, crowded settings, and weakened immune systems.

What is the role of the tuberculin skin test (TST)?

It identifies TB exposure by measuring induration after an intradermal injection of PPD.

What does a positive IGRA test indicate?

It indicates TB exposure, but not necessarily active disease.

What precautions should be taken if pulmonary TB is suspected?

Initiate airborne precautions immediately and isolate the patient.

What is the initial therapy for active tuberculosis?

RIPE therapy: rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol.

What should be monitored when a patient is on rifampin?

Liver function and potential drug interactions.

What is a common side effect of isoniazid?

Hepatotoxicity and peripheral neuropathy.

What should be reported if a patient on pyrazinamide experiences joint pain?

Joint pain, especially in the big toe, may indicate podagra.

What is the importance of completing the full course of TB medication?

Inconsistent treatment can contribute to drug-resistant TB.

What are some nursing management strategies for TB treatment?

Assess respiratory status, support adherence, and reinforce recovery.

What should be done if a patient expresses a desire to stop TB medication after symptoms improve?

The nurse should explain the importance of completing the full medication regimen.

What are the systemic clues indicating active TB?

Fatigue, unexplained weight loss, decreased appetite, night sweats, and low-grade fever.

What is the significance of a normal chest x-ray in TB diagnosis?

It supports latent infection if there are no symptoms present.

What is the role of sputum specimens in diagnosing TB?

They are collected for acid-fast bacilli testing and culture to identify the organism.

What is a key takeaway regarding TB transmission?

TB spreads by airborne droplet nuclei from a person with active pulmonary disease.

What is the purpose of directly observed therapy (DOT)?

To support patient adherence to the TB treatment regimen.

What should healthcare personnel wear when caring for a suspected TB patient?

A fit-tested N95 respirator.

What are the respiratory clues for recognizing active pulmonary tuberculosis?

Persistent cough lasting longer than 3 weeks, purulent or blood-tinged sputum, dyspnea, and pleuritic chest pain.

What is the significance of monitoring for abnormal laboratory findings in TB patients?

To detect medication intolerance and adverse effects.

What barriers might affect a patient's ability to complete TB therapy?

Access to medication, transportation, forgetting doses, and side effects.

What clinical changes indicate that a TB patient is responding to therapy?

Improvement in symptoms and laboratory results.