A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB). The client asks the nurse why she needs to take four different antituberculotic medications. Which of the following replies should the nurse make?
"The organism that causes TB becomes resistant to antituberculotic medications when you only take one medication."
Taking several antituberculotic medications will protect your liver from toxic effects."
"People who have a severe form of TB need several antituberculotic medications, but those who have less severe TB need just one medication."
"Adverse effects occur more often and are more severe when you take only one antituberculotic medication."
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
"The organism that causes TB becomes resistant to antituberculotic medications when you only take one medication." This statement is appropriate.
Tuberculosis bacteria tend to develop resistance to single medications when used alone. Using multiple medications simultaneously helps prevent the bacteria from becoming resistant to any single drug. This strategy, known as combination therapy, is crucial in treating TB effectively and reducing the risk of drug resistance.
When TB bacteria are exposed to just one medication, they can mutate and become resistant to that specific drug. However, using a combination of medications helps ensure that if one medication fails to eliminate some bacteria due to resistance, the other drugs can still work against the resistant strains.
Preventing drug resistance is essential for successful TB treatment and to avoid the need for more complex and less effective medications if resistance develops.
Choice B Reason:
"Taking several antituberculotic medications will protect your liver from toxic effects." This statement is incorrect. While it's true that some antituberculotic medications can have hepatotoxic effects (adverse effects on the liver), the primary reason for using multiple medications in TB treatment isn't solely to protect the liver. The main goal of using multiple medications is to prevent the development of drug-resistant strains of TB bacteria. Protecting the liver is an important consideration in medication selection and monitoring but isn't the primary rationale for multiple medications.
Choice C Reason:
"People who have a severe form of TB need several antituberculotic medications, but those who have less severe TB need just one medication." This statement is incorrect. The severity of TB doesn't determine the number of medications required. The standard treatment approach for TB involves multiple medications, regardless of the severity. This approach aims to prevent the development of drug resistance, ensure effective treatment, and reduce the risk of treatment failure. Using a combination of medications is a fundamental strategy to combat TB effectively.
Choice D Reason:
"Adverse effects occur more often and are more severe when you take only one antituberculotic medication." This statement is incorrect. While it's true that adverse effects can occur with antituberculotic medications, the primary reason for using multiple medications isn't solely to reduce adverse effects. The main concern addressed by using multiple drugs is preventing the development of drug-resistant TB strains. Using a combination of medications reduces the likelihood of resistance developing and increases the effectiveness of treatment, rather than solely minimizing adverse effects.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
"I'll make sure I stay away from microwave ovens." This statement is incorrect . While there were concerns about interference in the past, modern pacemakers are generally not affected by household appliances like microwave ovens.
Choice B Reason:
"I should have an MRI, rather than a CAT scan, if necessary." This statement is incorrect. Both MRI and CAT scans have considerations when a person has a pacemaker. An MRI might be contraindicated due to the magnetic field, while a CAT scan might be a safer imaging choice.
Choice C Reason:
"I'll hold my cell phone against the ear on the opposite side of my body." This statement reflects an understanding of the precaution to avoid holding a cell phone directly over the implanted pacemaker. Keeping the phone on the opposite side helps minimize the potential interference with the pacemaker's function.
Choice D Reason:
"I shouldn't travel by plane because of airport security." This statement is incorrect. Airport security systems generally don't affect pacemakers, so traveling by plane is usually safe. However, informing security personnel about the presence of a pacemaker is a good practice.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Informing the client of the adverse effect of diarrhea is less common with clonidine use, especially in comparison to other side effects like dry mouth or skin irritation.
Choice B Reason:
Monitoring for weight loss isn't a primary concern specifically associated with transdermal clonidine use.
Choice C Reason:
Advise the client about increased dry mouth. Dry mouth is a common adverse effect of clonidine, including the transdermal form. Patients should be informed about this so they can manage it effectively, for example, by drinking plenty of water or using sugar-free gum or candy to stimulate saliva production.
Choice D Reason:
Hypopigmentation is not a commonly reported issue with transdermal clonidine patches. However, local skin irritation or rash can occur at the site of the patch.
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