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 B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Requesting a dosage increase if the apical heart rate is less than 60/min is not necessary. Propranolol is used to lower heart rate in conditions like atrial fibrillation, so a heart rate below 60/min might be the desired effect of the medication.
Choice B Reason:
Withholding the medication if the systolic blood pressure is less than 90 mm Hg is necessary. Propranolol is a beta-blocker that can lower blood pressure. If the systolic blood pressure drops below 90 mm Hg, withholding the medication is necessary to prevent further lowering of blood pressure, which could lead to adverse effects like dizziness, fainting, or inadequate blood perfusion to vital organs.
Choice C Reason:
Administering the medication with an antacid might interfere with the absorption of propranolol, so they shouldn't be taken together unless instructed by the healthcare provider.
Choice D Reason:
Expecting increased hair growth is not an anticipated effect of propranolol. Hair growth is not a usual side effect associated with this medication.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Experiences nocturia is incorrect. Nocturia (waking up at night to urinate) is a common symptom and, while it's important to address for the client's comfort and potential underlying causes, it doesn't pose an immediate risk to the client's roommate or necessitate urgent intervention in a shared room setting.
Choice B Reason:
History of generalized anxiety disorder is incorrect. A history of generalized anxiety disorder is relevant to the client's mental health and overall care. However, in the context of a shared room, it might not require immediate attention or interventions that directly impact the roommate's health or safety.
Choice C Reason:
Recent exposure to tuberculosis is correct. Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. In a shared room, a history of recent exposure to TB is a significant concern as it poses a potential risk to both the client and the roommate. Immediate measures to prevent transmission and ensure proper isolation protocols are necessary to protect the health of both individuals in the shared space.
Choice D Reason:
Reports periodic migraine headaches is correct.
Periodic migraine headaches are a health concern for the client experiencing them, but they typically do not pose an immediate risk or concern for the client's roommate. While addressing pain management is important, it might not require immediate action in the shared room environment.
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