A client who is experiencing respiratory distress is admitted with respiratory acidosis.

Which pathophysiological process supports the client's respiratory acidosis?

Choice B rationale:

Isoniazid's Mechanism of Action:

It targets and inhibits the synthesis of mycolic acids, which are essential components of the cell wall of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that cause tuberculosis.

By disrupting cell wall formation, isoniazid prevents bacterial growth and multiplication, leading to the suppression and eventual eradication of the infection.

Clinical Manifestations of Active TB:

Persistent cough, often productive of sputum (phlegm), is a hallmark symptom of TB. The sputum may contain blood or have a rusty-colored appearance.

Other common symptoms include fever, night sweats, fatigue, weight loss, and chest pain. How Isoniazid Reduces Cough and Sputum:

As isoniazid effectively kills the TB bacteria, the inflammatory process within the lungs subsides.

This leads to a gradual decrease in the production of sputum, which is a direct result of the inflammatory response. Consequently, the frequency and severity of coughing episodes also diminish.

Monitoring Treatment Response:

Regular sputum smears and cultures are essential to assess the response to treatment.

A positive sputum smear indicates the presence of live TB bacteria, while a positive culture confirms their growth in the laboratory.

A gradual decrease in the number of bacteria seen on sputum smears, followed by negative cultures, signals a favorable response to treatment.

Timeframe for Improvement:

It's important to note that clinical improvement, including a reduction in cough and sputum, may not be immediately evident. It typically takes several weeks of consistent isoniazid therapy to achieve noticeable results.

Therefore, adherence to the prescribed treatment regimen is crucial for successful TB eradication. Addressing Other Choices:

Choice A: Decreased appetite and weight loss are often associated with active TB due to systemic inflammation and nutritional deficiencies. While isoniazid treatment may indirectly improve appetite and weight gain over time, these are not primary indicators of its effectiveness in suppressing the TB infection itself.

Choice C: Vertigo and tinnitus are potential side effects of isoniazid, but they do not reflect its efficacy in treating TB.

Choice D: A positive sputum smear and culture would indicate ongoing TB infection and a lack of response to treatment.

Choice A rationale:

While teaching the client about infection prevention measures is important, it is not the most crucial action in this situation. The client is already exhibiting symptoms and has potentially been spreading the virus.

Focusing on isolation at this point is a more effective way to prevent further transmission.

Additionally, the client may be too ill to fully comprehend or adhere to instructions regarding masks, handwashing, and social distancing.

Choice B rationale:

Isolation is the most essential action to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to others. This is because:

COVID-19 is highly contagious and can spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.

Isolation physically separates the infected person from others, reducing the risk of transmission.

Proper PPE, such as gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection, creates a barrier between the healthcare worker and the infectious droplets, further minimizing the risk of spread.

Choice C rationale:

Reporting the COVID-19 result to the local health department is important for tracking and managing the spread of the virus. However, it is not as immediate a priority as isolating the client to prevent further transmission.

Choice D rationale:

Counseling family members about monitoring for symptoms is also important for early identification and containment of potential cases. However, it does not directly address the immediate risk of transmission from the actively symptomatic client.