Question

Isoniazid (INH) has been prescribed for a family member exposed to tuberculosis. The nurse is aware that the length of time that the medication will be taken is: A. 6 months B. 3 months C. 18 months D. 24 months

Short answer

Answer: A. 6 months

Step-by-step solution

Understand Isoniazid (INH) Medication

Isoniazid is an antibiotic medication used to treat and prevent tuberculosis infections. The length of time to take this medication depends on the patient's specific circumstances, such as exposure and the need for treatment.

Evaluate Given Choices

We have the following options for the length of time in which the medication will be taken: A. 6 months B. 3 months C. 18 months D. 24 months We need to identify the correct duration for the INH medication in this case.

Identify the Correct Duration

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the recommended length of time for taking Isoniazid (INH) as a treatment for latent tuberculosis infection is at least 6 months. In some cases, it can be extended up to 9 months for people with certain risk factors. So in this case, the correct duration is: A. 6 months

Key concepts

Isoniazid (INH) Medication

Isoniazid, also known as INH, is an essential medication in the fight against tuberculosis (TB). This antibiotic specifically targets Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria responsible for TB. It's part of a larger group of drugs known as antitubercular medications, which are used to both treat active TB infections and prevent latent infections from becoming active.

When prescribed for someone who has been exposed to TB but is not actively infected, INH serves as a preventive measure. It inhibits the growth of TB bacteria by interfering with the lipid and nucleic acid synthesis within the bacteria, thereby preventing their proliferation.

• Nursing pharmacology focuses on understanding how drugs like INH work within the body.
• Dosage and administration are critical, with INH typically taken orally once a day, sometimes with other TB medication, depending on the treatment regimen.
• Side effects of INH can include liver toxicity and a risk of neuropathy, which is why Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is often prescribed alongside it.
• Understanding and monitoring these effects are a crucial part of nursing care for patients taking INH.

Tuberculosis Treatment Duration

The treatment duration for tuberculosis, especially for latent infections, is extremely important to ensure complete eradication of the bacteria from the body and to prevent the development of an active infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) generally recommends a minimum of 6 months of treatment with INH.

For those with latent TB, a 6-month course is the standard. However, certain patients may need a longer course of up to 9 months, especially if they have HIV or other conditions that weaken their immune systems.

• Completing the full course of treatment is critical; stopping early can lead to TB bacteria becoming resistant to medications.
• Nursing intervention includes educating patients on the importance of adherence to their prescribed treatment plan.
• For active TB, the treatment can last 6-9 months, sometimes involving a combination of drugs.
• Regular follow-ups and possibly adjustments to the regimen are part of managing the disease effectively.

Nursing Pharmacology

Nursing pharmacology encompasses the study and application of medications within the nursing practice. It's a core part of nursing education, as it equips nurses with the knowledge necessary to safely and effectively administer medications and monitor their effects.

Nurses must understand pharmacokinetics—the way drugs move through the body—and pharmacodynamics—the effects of drugs on the body. They must be able to anticipate and recognize the potential side effects and be vigilant in monitoring patient responses.

• Nursing pharmacology includes calculating correct dosages, understanding drug interactions, and implementing safety measures to prevent medication errors.
• Patient education is also a key component; nurses must be able to educate patients about their medications, including how to take them, potential side effects, and the importance of treatment adherence.
• With medications like INH, nurses must assess liver function tests and educate about the importance of vitamin B6 to prevent side effects.
• In cases of TB treatment, consistent patient support and education regarding the duration and adherence to medication are vital.