Saunders Respiratory Practice

What is a crucial aspect of discharge planning for a client with tuberculosis?

1. Schedule frequent hospital appointments.

2. Provide education on long-term medication.

3. Ensure family members are informed of symptoms.

4. Advocate for isolation from others.

The correct answer is: Provide education on long-term medication.

Providing education on long-term medication is indeed a crucial aspect of discharge planning for a client with tuberculosis. Patients with tuberculosis are usually required to adhere to a strict medication regimen over an extended period, typically 6 to 12 months, depending on the type of tuberculosis and the patient's response to treatment. Educating the patient about the importance of medication adherence helps to ensure that the infection is fully treated and reduces the risk of developing drug-resistant strains of the bacteria. Additionally, understanding potential side effects and the necessity of completing the full course of therapy is essential for patient safety and health outcomes. Proper education empowers the patient to take responsibility for their health and can lead to better adherence to the treatment plan. Family involvement in education can further support the patient during recovery, but the primary emphasis is on the patient’s understanding and management of their medication. In contrast, while ensuring family members are informed of symptoms and advocating for isolation can be part of a comprehensive plan to manage tuberculosis, they do not address the long-term management of the disease as directly as medication education does. Frequent hospital appointments may not be necessary if the patient is educated on self-management and the importance of medication adherence.