A patient being treated for TB comes to the clinic after 2 months for a follow-up visit.Sputum smears for AFB are still positive.A sputum specimen is taken for culture and to determine whether the microorganism is sensitive to the medications.What knowledge does the nurse use to question the patient regarding the treatment regimen?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If the sputum smears are still positive after 2 months of treatment, it is likely that the patient has been noncompliant with the medication regimen. Directly observed therapy (DOT) may be necessary to ensure that the patient takes their medications as prescribed. The other answer choices are not appropriate in this situation. A combination of INH, rifampin, and pyrazinamide is typically the first-line treatment for TB, and changing the medication regimen would not necessarily be indicated if the patient is noncompliant. Twice-weekly administration of the drugs is an acceptable treatment protocol, and changing to an INH-only regimen would not be appropriate if the patient's TB is not responding to treatment.

A Patient Being Treated for TB Comes to the Clinic