A nurse is preparing to review discharge instructions with a client who has pulmonary tuberculosis. Which of the following information should the nurse include?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Consume alcohol in moderation while taking antituberculosis medications: Alcohol can increase the risk of hepatotoxicity when taking antituberculosis medications. Clients should be advised to avoid alcohol entirely during treatment to protect liver function. B. Place tissue soiled with respiratory secretions in a paper bag for later disposal: Contaminated tissues should be disposed of immediately in a sealed plastic bag to prevent the spread of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Storing tissues for later disposal increases the risk of transmission. C. Provide samples for sputum cultures every 6 weeks: Sputum samples are typically collected monthly, not every six weeks, to monitor treatment effectiveness and confirm when the client is no longer infectious. Proper timing ensures accurate assessment. D. Wear a mask while out or around crowds of people: Clients with pulmonary tuberculosis should wear a mask when outside the home or in public spaces to prevent spreading the infection. This is a key infection-control measure until they are deemed non-infectious.