A nurse is preparing to administer ciprofloxacin as ordered.
Which test would the nurse ensure is completed before administering the first dose to the patient?

Choice A rationale:

Monitoring for the appearance of adverse reactions is a crucial aspect of managing a patient with TB undergoing treatment. TB medications can have side effects, and early detection of adverse reactions is essential for timely intervention. Some common adverse effects of TB drugs include hepatotoxicity, peripheral neuropathy, and gastrointestinal disturbances. By closely monitoring the patient, the nurse can ensure prompt action if these side effects occur, improving the patient's overall care and safety.

Choice B rationale:

Monitoring the patient's vital signs every 24 hours may be part of standard nursing care, but when managing a patient with TB, the primary focus should be on monitoring for adverse reactions to the TB medications. Vital signs are important but not the most critical aspect of care in this specific situation.

Choice C rationale:

Assessing the patient's history of contacts is essential for identifying potential sources of TB transmission. However, it is more related to the initial assessment and diagnosis of TB rather than ongoing assessment during treatment. The primary focus during treatment is monitoring the patient's response to medication and any adverse reactions.

Choice D rationale:

Using Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) to administer TB drugs is a standard practice to ensure treatment adherence. However, ongoing assessment should focus on monitoring for adverse reactions and treatment effectiveness rather than the administration method, which is usually established at the beginning of treatment.

Choice A rationale:

Administering a combination of drugs in TB treatment is not primarily aimed at preventing the incidence of liver dysfunction. The combination therapy's main objective is to address the complex nature of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections and the potential development of antibiotic resistance.

Choice B rationale:

The nurse should explain that the primary reason for administering a combination of drugs is to slow down bacterial resistance. When TB is treated with a single drug, the bacteria can quickly develop resistance to that drug. Using a combination of drugs with different mechanisms of action makes it more difficult for the bacteria to develop resistance. This is a fundamental principle in the treatment of TB.

Choice C rationale:

Slowing the body's resistance to medication is not a goal in TB treatment. The focus is on preventing the development of resistance in the bacteria, not the body's response to the medication.

Choice D rationale:

While TB treatment aims to prevent the further spread of the disease, the primary reason for using a combination of drugs is to address bacterial resistance. Preventing the spread of TB is an important secondary benefit of effective treatment.