Respiratory System Exam Questions Related

Review Respiratory System Exam Questions related questions and content

The nurse is caring for a 30-year-old American Indian female who is taking Rifater, a drug
containing rifampin, isoniazid, and pyrazinamide. The patient asks how long she will have to
take the medication. Which response explains when the patient may discontinue the
medication?

  • A. When the sputum culture comes back negative.
  • B. When the medication has been taken for 9 months
  • C. When three consecutive sputum cultures are negative
  • D. When the tuberculin skin test (TST) is no longer positive
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: When three consecutive sputum cultures are negative. This indicates successful treatment completion and eradication of the tuberculosis infection. A negative sputum culture confirms that the patient is no longer infectious and can safely discontinue the medication.

Choice A is incorrect because a single negative sputum culture does not guarantee complete eradication of the infection. Choice B is incorrect as the standard treatment duration for tuberculosis is typically 6-9 months, but discontinuation should be based on sputum culture results. Choice D is incorrect as the TST can remain positive even after successful treatment, as it reflects exposure to the tuberculosis bacteria, not active infection status.