A nurse is teaching a client who has active pulmonary tuberculosis about management of medication for the disease. Which of the following statements is appropriate for the nurse to make?

A. Limit your sodium intake: While excessive sodium intake may be a concern for individuals with certain health conditions, there is no specific restriction on sodium intake associated with theophylline use. This instruction is not directly relevant to theophylline therapy.
B. Avoid caffeinated beverages (Correct Answer): Caffeine can increase the risk of theophylline toxicity by enhancing its effects. Theophylline is metabolized in the liver, and caffeine can interfere with this process. Therefore, it is advisable for individuals taking theophylline to avoid excessive consumption of caffeinated beverages.
C. Take the medication with meals: Theophylline is often prescribed on an empty stomach because food can decrease its absorption. However, the specific recommendation may vary based on the formulation of the medication. It is important to follow the healthcare provider's instructions regarding when to take theophylline in relation to meals.
D. Restrict milk products: There is no general restriction on milk products associated with theophylline use. However, it's important to note that high-fat meals may affect the absorption of theophylline, so individualized instructions from the healthcare provider should be followed.

A. "You will need to undergo tuberculin skin tests every 6 months while taking medication for your disease."
Tuberculin skin tests are typically used for screening and diagnosis, not for monitoring the effectiveness of tuberculosis treatment. Monitoring for treatment effectiveness involves assessing symptoms, sputum cultures, and other diagnostic tests.
B. "You will need to take two or more medications to treat your disease."
This is the correct answer. Tuberculosis is usually treated with a combination of antibiotics to prevent the development of drug resistance. Multidrug therapy is a standard approach to tuberculosis treatment.
C. "You should anticipate taking medication to treat your disease for at least the next 3 years."
The duration of tuberculosis treatment is generally shorter than 3 years. The standard treatment duration is typically 6 to 9 months, depending on the specific regimen used.
D. "You should report monthly to have your blood drawn to monitor kidney function while taking medication."
Monitoring kidney function is important for some medications, but it is not a standard monthly requirement for tuberculosis treatment. Monitoring typically involves assessing liver function, as certain tuberculosis medications can affect the liver.