TB Infections

Question 1

What is Tuberculosis?

Answer 1

It’s a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis that affects mainly the lungs BUT it can also affect the kidneys, brain, spine, joints, and liver.

Question 2

What is the method of transmission for TB?

Answer 2

Airborne

Question 3

True or False

All cases of TB must be reported to the state.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

What is the incubation period for TB? Is a person contagious during this time?

Answer 4

• 4-12wks
• No

Question 5

True or False

A person with HIV is at a lower risk for TB.

Answer 5

False, they are at a greater risk

Question 8

What can result in a false positive test for TB?

Answer 8

• Latent TB infection
• Foreign born persons who received a BCG vaccine to prevent TB

Question 9

TB s/s?

Answer 9

• Fever, night seats, chills
• SOB, progressive fatigue
• Anorexia/weight loss
• Lethargy
• Nausea
• Irregular menses

Question 10

How is TB diagnosed?

Answer 10

• TB skin test – indicative, not confirmed
• For confirmation
  
  • X-ray
  • Blood assay
  • Presence of M. tuberculosis in cultures or
  • rapid nucleic acid test probes (this takes 2hrs)

Question 11

How is the Mantoux (PPD) tuberculin test given, how is it evaluated and what does it indicate?

Answer 11

• Via intradermal injection
• An induration (hard swelling) reaction that is ≥ 10mm that occurs
• Indicates TB exposure

Question 12

True or False

A positive PPD test means you have TB.

Answer 12

• False
• Positive reaction does not mean that active disease is present but does indicate exposure to TB or dormant disease.

Question 13

Why are PTs w/ HIV test for TB and vise verse?

Answer 13

Because ¼ of those with HIV or TB will get the other

Question 14

All patients suspected of or confirmed to have TB should be placed in _____ _____ until they are no longer infectious.

Answer 14

Airborne isolation

Question 15

When should a PT w/ TB wear a mask?

Answer 15

Anytime they are outside of their room

Question 16

What is the PT teaching for those with TB?

Answer 16

• Importance of regular follow-up visits
• Following and completing the treatment regimen exactly as prescribed
• Adverse effects to be reported
• Signs and symptoms of recurring TB

Question 17

What precautions are taken w/ TB patients in the hospital?

Answer 17

• Negative pressure room
• Caregivers must wear respirators and take airborne precautions
• Strict hand hygiene

Question 18

Persons who have been exposed to an infected patient should…

Answer 18

Be tested for TB

Question 19

What is MDR-TB and what is the significance?

Answer 19

• Multi-drug resistant TB
• Must be treated w/ at least THREE TB drugs

Question 20

What are the main two drugs used to treat TB?

Answer 20

• Isoniazid
• Rifampin

Question 21

How long will TB drug therapy last?

Answer 21

6-12 months

Question 22

How is a patient declared free of TB?

Answer 22

Once sputum cultures test NEGATIVE for the presence of the M. tuberculosis bacteria