Revolt on the Tuberculosis Ward Questions
1. List three risk factors associated with tuberculosis.
Reference: ​(Tanya Feke, 2019)
1. The lack of immunizations.
2. Little to no access of clean water and food.
3. Living in areas where Tuberculosis is prevalent (i.e. Haiti).
2. What type of precautions should you use when dealing with a patient who
has active TB?
Reference: ​(Pietrangelo, 2020)
The type precautionary measures one would take are airborne precautions as tuberculosis
is spread through water droplets through the air. Some common precautions would be
wearing a respirator mask, staying far from the infected individual, and keeping the area
well ventilated and clean to not sustain tuberculosis bacteria.
3. Describe in general terms the type of medication regimen for treating
tuberculosis.
Reference: ​(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2016)
The type of regimen that is typically used on patients with advanced tuberculosis
involves intensive care for a couple of months to phase in and out drugs to see if they aid
in recovery. The regimen also involves isolation to prevent the disease from spreading.
4. Why is tuberculosis so difficult to treat? Explain.
Reference: ​(Mills, 2016)
Tuberculosis is difficult to treat because patients may have antibiotic resistance and it is
difficult to diagnose. The infection is difficult to diagnose because the infecting bacteria
has a long incubation period with a gradual sense of external symptoms, thus most people
do not contact a doctor while the infection is still relatively contained. With the given
antibiotics, many patients experience antibiotic resistance. With the help of a larger
population of tuberculosis, many survive antibiotics and later reproduce worsening the
patient's condition.
5. List at least three risk factors that apply to Monique's secondary infection
with Bacteroides fragilis.
Reference: ​(Wexler, 2007)
1. The depleted condition of an immune system.
2. Antibiotic resistance
3. Unsanitary environment
6. What is the most likely source of her chest tube infection?
Reference: ​(Saint Luke's, n.d)
The most likely source of her chest tube infection is the unsanitary conditions of the
hospital, uncleaned surfaces can house bacteria which when on the chest tube can cause
further damage to a patient with an already weakened immune system.
7. Besides Bacteroides fragilis, what other secondary infections are common in
patients who have tuberculosis?
Reference: ​(H. Shishido et al., 1990)
Secondary infections that are common in patients with tuberculosis are bronchitis,
pulmonary emphysema and strep throat.
8. How likely was Monique to spread Bacteroides fragilis to those around her?
Was she a risk to the other patients on the ward?
Reference:​ (Public Health Agency of Canada [PHAC], 2010)
Monique was very likely to have spread the infection to those around her due to her chest
tube which was leaking. Therefore, with the unsanitary conditions along with others
exposure to her infected bodily fluids, she poses a high risk of infecting those around her.
References
H, S., H, N., A, K., R, Y., M, T., T, N., & K, M. (1990). [Tuberculosis sequelae: secondary
bacterial infections]. Kekkaku : [Tuberculosis], 65(12). Retrieved from
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2077264
Mills, D. (2016). Tuberculosis: A Difficult Disease to Eradicate. Retrieved October 16, 2020,
from ​https://www.healthline.com/health-news/tuberculosis-difficult-to-eradicate
Pietrangelo, A. (2020). What Are Airborne Diseases? Retrieved October 16, 2020, from
https://www.healthline.com/health/airborne-diseases
Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). (2010). Bacteroides spp. Retrieved October 16, 2020,
from
https://www.msdsonline.com/resources/sds-resources/free-safety-data-sheet-index/bacter
oides-spp/
Saint Luke's. (n.d). Chest Tubes. Retrieved October 16, 2020, from
https://www.saintlukeskc.org/health-library/chest-tubes
Tanya Feke, M. (2019). Causes and Risk Factors of Tuberculosis. Retrieved October 16, 2020,
from ​https://www.verywellhealth.com/causes-and-risk-factors-of-tuberculosis-4160458
Treatment Highlights of Drug-Susceptible Tuberculosis Guidelines | Treatment | TB | CDC.
(2016). Retrieved 15 October 2020, from
https://www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/treatment/guideline
Wexler, H. (2007, October 20). Bacteroides: The good, the bad, and the nitty-gritty. Retrieved
October 16, 2020, from ​https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2176045/