Hesi RN Adult Health
Hesi RN Adult Health ( 57 Questions)
To evaluate the effectiveness of this medication, which outcome can the nurse expect this client to exhibit?
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.
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:
C: Vertigo and tinnitus are potential side effects of isoniazid, but they do not reflect its efficacy in treating TB.
D: A positive sputum smear and culture would indicate ongoing TB infection and a lack of response to treatment.
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.