The nurse is caring for a 30-year-old American Indian female who is taking Rifater, a drug containing rifampin, isoniazid, and pyrazinamide. The patient asks how long she will have to take the medication. Which response explains when the patient may discontinue the medication?
When the chest x-ray shows no indication of TB
When the TB skin test is no longer positive
When the medication has been taking for 6 months
When three consecutive sputum cultures are negative
The Correct Answer is D
A. When the chest x-ray shows no indication of TB: Chest x-rays can remain abnormal even after successful treatment. Radiographic improvement is not a reliable indicator for stopping therapy.
B. When the TB skin test is no longer positive: The TB skin test often remains positive for life after infection or exposure and does not reflect current disease activity or treatment response.
C. When the medication has been taken for 6 months: Although the standard treatment duration is often 6 months, therapy duration alone is not sufficient without confirming bacteriological clearance via sputum testing.
D. When three consecutive sputum cultures are negative: This is the most reliable indicator that the patient is no longer infectious and the treatment has been effective, especially in active pulmonary TB. It ensures eradication of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Antihistamine:Antihistamines are the first-line treatment for allergic reactions such as itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, and coughing caused by allergens like grass pollen. They block histamine, the chemical responsible for allergic symptoms, providing effective relief in seasonal allergies.
B. Antitussive:Antitussives suppress coughing and are used for dry, nonproductive coughs. They do not address the underlying allergic reaction or associated symptoms like sneezing and itchy eyes, making them inappropriate for this case.
C. Decongestant:Decongestants relieve nasal congestion by constricting blood vessels in the nasal mucosa. While they may help with stuffiness, they do not treat the histamine-mediated symptoms such as watery eyes or sneezing effectively.
D. Expectorant:Expectorants thin mucus to help with productive coughs. They are not helpful in treating allergic reactions and will not relieve the patient's symptoms caused by grass allergy exposure.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Electrolyte levels:While important in general health assessment, electrolytes are not specific to evaluating asthma severity or lung function. They would not determine the respiratory status directly.
B. Pulmonary function test including peak flow:This is the most relevant diagnostic tool for asthma. It measures airflow limitation and helps assess the severity of the asthma exacerbation and response to treatment, guiding both immediate care and long-term management.
C. CBC:A CBC may show signs of infection or inflammation but does not assess lung function. It is not specific enough to determine the status of an asthma exacerbation or guide bronchodilator therapy.
D. Allergy skin testing:This may be done later to identify triggers in chronic asthma management, but it is not useful for acute status assessment or immediate treatment decisions.
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