A patient diagnosed with active tuberculosis is in a negative pressure room for respiratory airborne isolation. How long should the nurse maintain the patient in this type of isolation?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient should remain in respiratory airborne isolation until three consecutive sputum specimens for acid fast bacilli are negative. This is because the patient can still transmit tuberculosis even if they are asymptomatic, so it is important to confirm that they are no longer actively infected before ending isolation precautions. The other options are not accurate indicators of when to discontinue isolation.

A Patient Diagnosed with Active Tuberculosis Is in a Negative