Saunders Respiratory Practice

What is an expected outcome for a client successfully treated for tuberculosis?

1. Continued symptoms

2. Completion of medication therapy

3. Non-compliance with follow-up appointments

4. Frequent coughing

The correct answer is: Completion of medication therapy

A successful outcome for a client treated for tuberculosis typically includes the completion of medication therapy. Tuberculosis (TB) treatment usually requires a prolonged course of antibiotics, often lasting several months. Adherence to the full treatment regimen is crucial to ensure that the bacteria are completely eradicated and to prevent the development of drug-resistant strains of TB. Upon successful treatment, clients should no longer exhibit symptoms associated with the infection, such as chronic cough or fever, and they should be well on their way to recovery. This outcome is contrasted with the other options; for instance, continued symptoms, non-compliance with follow-up appointments, and frequent coughing indicate complications or failures in treatment rather than a successful resolution of the disease. Therefore, the expectation of successfully completing medication therapy aligns with the goal of achieving a complete cure for tuberculosis, leading to the prevention of disease spread and improved individual health outcomes.