A client has been diagnosed with tuberculosis. How long does the nurse anticipate this client will require treatment?

A. An infection that is difficult to treat:

This choice describes a challenging infection but does not specifically capture the concept of a superinfection. While superinfections can indeed be difficult to treat, they are defined more specifically as secondary infections that occur due to disruption of the normal microbial flora during the treatment of an initial infection.

B. An infection caused by a weakened immune system:

This choice describes an infection that occurs due to a compromised or weakened immune system, which can indeed increase the risk of developing infections, including superinfections. However, it does not fully encompass the definition of a superinfection, which specifically involves the overgrowth of opportunistic pathogens after the disruption of normal microbial flora by antimicrobial treatment.

C. A secondary infection that occurs when microorganisms normally present in the body are killed by the drug:

This choice accurately describes what a superinfection is. It highlights the key concept that a superinfection is a secondary infection that arises when antimicrobial treatment disrupts or kills the normal microbial flora of the body, allowing opportunistic pathogens to overgrow and cause infection.

D. A drug-resistant infection:

This choice describes an infection caused by microorganisms that are resistant to the effects of antimicrobial drugs. While drug resistance is a significant concern in healthcare, it does not specifically define a superinfection. Superinfections can involve drug-resistant microorganisms, but they are not solely characterized by drug resistance; rather, they are secondary infections resulting from the disruption of normal microbial flora during antimicrobial treatment.

A. Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act:

The Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) is a federal law that regulates the manufacturing, labeling, and distribution of food, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices in the United States. While the FD&C Act does provide some regulatory authority over certain aspects of dietary supplements, such as labeling requirements and good manufacturing practices, it is not the primary law governing the regulation of herbal and dietary supplements.

B. Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations:

The Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), now known as The Joint Commission, is an independent, nonprofit organization that accredits and certifies healthcare organizations and programs in the United States. However, The Joint Commission is not responsible for regulating herbal and dietary supplements.

C. Health and Human Services (HHS):

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is a cabinet-level executive branch department of the U.S. federal government. While HHS oversees various health-related agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is not the primary regulatory authority for herbal and dietary supplements.

D. Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA):

The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994 is the primary law that regulates herbal and dietary supplements in the United States. DSHEA defines dietary supplements, sets forth labeling requirements, establishes good manufacturing practices, and outlines the responsibilities of manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements. Under DSHEA, dietary supplements are regulated as a category of food rather than as drugs.