A client with TB is prescribed a combination of medications. What is the rationale for using multiple drugs to treat TB?

Choice A rationale:

Monitor vital signs, fluid intake and output, weight, and skin integrity. This statement is correct. When caring for a patient with chickenpox, monitoring vital signs can help detect any signs of complications like fever. Fluid intake and output, weight, and skin integrity are important to assess the patient's hydration status and the progression of the rash.

Choice B rationale:

Administer medications as prescribed and monitor for adverse effects. This statement is correct. The nurse should give antiviral medications if prescribed to help shorten the duration of the illness and reduce its severity. Monitoring for any adverse effects from the medications is essential for patient safety.

Choice C rationale:

Encourage contact with pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals to build immunity. This statement is incorrect. Encouraging contact with pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals is not appropriate because chickenpox is highly contagious and can pose serious risks to these vulnerable populations. The nurse should advise the patient to avoid contact with them until they are no longer infectious.

Choice D rationale:

Advise the patient to avoid contact with those who have had chickenpox or been vaccinated. This statement is partially correct. The patient should avoid contact with individuals who have not had chickenpox or have not been vaccinated against it to prevent the spread of the disease. However, vaccinated individuals are less likely to transmit the virus than those with active chickenpox.

Choice E rationale:

Isolate the patient until all lesions are crusted over to prevent transmission to others. This statement is correct. Isolating the patient until all the lesions are crusted over is an important infection control measure to prevent the spread of the varicella-zoster virus to others. Once the lesions are crusted, the patient is no longer contagious.

Choice A rationale:

Surgery for extensive lung damage may be considered in very rare cases of complications from TB, but it is not an adjunctive measure commonly required for TB treatment. The primary treatment for TB involves antibiotic therapy and adjunctive measures to manage complications.

Choice B rationale:

Corticosteroids may be required as adjunctive therapy for pericarditis, a complication of TB that affects the lining around the heart. Corticosteroids help reduce inflammation and improve the patient's condition.

Choice C rationale:

Nutritional support is often necessary for patients with TB, as the disease can lead to malnutrition and weight loss. Adequate nutrition is crucial for supporting the immune system and facilitating recovery.

Choice D rationale:

Fluid therapy may be required for patients with TB who experience dehydration due to fever, night sweats, and reduced oral intake. Proper hydration helps maintain organ function and aids in the elimination of waste products.

Choice E rationale:

Pain management is essential for patients with TB, especially for those experiencing chest pain, which can be a symptom of the disease or a complication. Adequate pain control improves the patient's comfort and compliance with treatment.