Definition
Although many still believe it to be a problem of the past, pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is on the rise. Most frequently seen as a pulmonary disease, TB can be extrapulmonary and affect organs and tissues other than the lungs. In the United States, incidence is higher among the homeless, drug-addicted, and impoverished populations, as well as among immigrants from or visitors to countries in which TB is endemic. In addition, persons at highest risk include those who may have been exposed to the bacillus in the past and those who are debilitated or have lowered immunity because of chronic conditions such as AIDS, cancer, advanced age, and malnutrition. When the immune system weakens, dormant TB organisms can reactivate and multiply. When this latent infection develops into active disease, it is known as reactivation TB, which is often drug resistant. Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is also on the rise, especially in large cities, in those previously treated with antitubercular drugs, or in those who failed to follow or complete a drug regimen. It can progress from diagnosis to death in as little as 4–6 weeks. MDR tuberculosis can be primary or secondary. Primary is caused by person-to-person transmission of a drug-resistant organism; secondary is usually the result of nonadherence to therapy or inappropriate treatment.
Nursing Priorities
- Achieve/maintain adequate ventilation/oxygenation.
- Prevent spread of infection.
- Support behaviors/tasks to maintain health.
- Promote effective coping strategies.
- Provide information about disease process/prognosis and treatment needs.
Discharge Goals
- Respiratory function adequate to meet individual need.
- Complications prevented.
- Lifestyle/behavior changes adopted to prevent spread of infection.
- Disease process/prognosis and therapeutic regimen understood.
- Plan in place to meet needs after discharge.
Diagnostic Studies
- Sputum culture: Positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the active stage of the disease.
- Ziehl-Neelsen (acid-fast stain applied to a smear of body fluid): Positive for acid-fast bacilli (AFB).
- Skin tests (purified protein derivative [PPD] or Old tuberculin [OT] administered by intradermal injection [Mantoux]): A positive reaction (area of induration 10 mm or greater, occurring 48–72 hr after interdermal injection of the antigen) indicates past infection and the presence of antibodies but is not necessarily indicative of active disease. Factors associated with a decreased response to tuberculin include underlying viral or bacterial infection, malnutrition, lymphadenopathy, overwhelming TB infection, insufficient antigen injection, and conscious or unconscious bias. A significant reaction in a patient who is clinically ill means that active TB cannot be dismissed as a diagnostic possibility. A significant reaction in healthy persons usually signifies dormant TB or an infection caused by a different mycobacterium.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)/Western blot: May reveal presence of HIV.
- Chest x-ray: May show small, patchy infiltrations of early lesions in the upper-lung field, calcium deposits of healed primary lesions, or fluid of an effusion. Changes indicating more advanced TB may include cavitation, scar tissue/fibrotic areas.
- CT or MRI scan: Determines degree of lung damage and may confirm a difficult diagnosis.
- Bronchoscopy: Shows inflammation and altered lung tissue. May also be performed to obtain sputum if patient is unable to produce an adequate specimen.
- Histologic or tissue cultures (including gastric washings; urine and cerebrospinal fluid [CSF]; skin biopsy): Positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis and may indicate extrapulmonary involvement.
- Needle biopsy of lung tissue: Positive for granulomas of TB; presence of giant cells indicating necrosis.
- Electrolytes: May be abnormal depending on the location and severity of infection; e.g., hyponatremia caused by abnormal water retention may be found in extensive chronic pulmonary TB.
- ABGs: May be abnormal depending on location, severity, and residual damage to the lungs.
- Pulmonary function studies: Decreased vital capacity, increased dead space, increased ratio of residual air to total lung capacity, and decreased oxygen saturation are secondary to parenchymal infiltration/fibrosis, loss of lung tissue, and pleural disease (extensive chronic pulmonary TB).
Nursing Care Plans
Here are 5 nursing care plans for pulmonary tuberculosis.
Risk for Infection
NURSING DIAGNOSIS: Infection, risk for [spread/reactivation]
Risk factors may include
- Inadequate primary defenses, decreased ciliary action/stasis of secretions
- Tissue destruction/extension of infection
- Lowered resistance/suppressed inflammatory process
- Malnutrition
- Environmental exposure
- Insufficient knowledge to avoid exposure to pathogens
Possibly evidenced by
[Not applicable; presence of signs and symptoms establishes an actual diagnosis.]Desired Outcomes
- Identify interventions to prevent/reduce risk of spread of infection.
- Demonstrate techniques/initiate lifestyle changes to promote safe environment.
| Nursing Interventions | Rationale |
| Review pathology of disease (active/inactive phases; dissemination of infection through bronchi to adjacent tissues or via bloodstream/lymphatic system) and potential spread of infection via airborne droplet during coughing, sneezing, spitting, talking, laughing, singing. | Helps patient realize/accept necessity of adhering to medication regimen to prevent reactivation/complication. Understanding of how the disease is passed and awareness of transmission possibilities help patient/SO take steps to prevent infection of others. |
| Identify others at risk, e.g., household members, close associates/friends. | Those exposed may require a course of drug therapy to prevent spread/ development of infection. |
| Instruct patient to cough/sneeze and expectorate into tissue and to refrain from spitting. Review proper disposal of tissue and good hand washing techniques. Encourage return demonstration. | Behaviors necessary to prevent spread of infection. |
| Review necessity of infection control measures, e.g., temporary respiratory isolation. | May help patient understand need for protecting others while acknowledging patient’s sense of isolation and social stigma associated with communicable diseases.Note: AFB can pass through standard masks; therefore, particulate respirators are required. |
| Monitor temperature as indicated. | Febrile reactions are indicators of continuing presence of infection. |
| Identify individual risk factors for reactivation of tuberculosis, e.g., lowered resistance associated with alcoholism, malnutrition/intestinal bypass surgery; use of immunosuppressive drugs/corticosteroids; presence of diabetes mellitus, cancer; postpartum. | Knowledge about these factors helps patient alter lifestyle and avoid/reduce incidence of exacerbation. |
| Stress importance of uninterrupted drug therapy. Evaluate patient’s potential for cooperation. | Contagious period may last only 2–3 days after initiation of chemotherapy, but in presence of cavitation or moderately advanced disease, risk of spread of infection may continue up to 3 months. Compliance with multidrug regimens for prolonged periods is difficult, so directly observed therapy (DOT) should be considered. |
| Review importance of follow-up and periodic reculturing of sputum for the duration of therapy. | These second-line drugs may be required when infection is resistant to or intolerant of primary drugs or may be used concurrently with primary anti tubercular drugs. Note: MDR-TB requires minimum of 18–24 mo therapy with at least three drugs in the regimen known to be effective against the specific infective organism and which patient has not previously taken. Treatment is often extended to 24 mo in patients with severe symptoms/HIV infection. |
| Encourage selection/ingestion of well-balanced meals. Provide frequent small “snacks” in place of large meals as appropriate. | Patient who has three consecutive negative sputum smears (takes 3–5 mo), is adhering to drug regimen, and is asymptomatic will be classified a non transmitter. |
| Liver function studies, e. g., AST/ALT. | Adverse effects of drug therapy include hepatitis. |
| Notify local health department. | Helpful in identifying contacts to reduce spread of infection and is required by law. Treatment course is long and usually handled in the community with public health nurse monitoring. |
| Administer anti-infective agents as indicated, e.g.:Primary drugs: isoniazid (INH), ethambutol (Myambutol), rifampin (RMP/Rifadin), rifampin with isoniazid (Rifamate), pyrazinamide (PZA), streptomycin , rifapentine (Priftin);
Second-line drugs: e.g., ethionamide (Trecator-SC), para-aminosalicylate (PAS), cycloserine (Seromycin), capreomycin (Capastat). |
Initial therapy of uncomplicated pulmonary disease usually includes four drugs, e.g., four primary drugs or combination of primary and secondary drugs.INH is usually drug of choice for infected patient and those at risk for developing TB. Short-course chemotherapy, including INH, rifampin (for 6 mo), PZA, and ethambutol or streptomycin, is given for at least 2 mo (or until sensitivities are known or until serial sputums are clear) followed by 3 more months of therapy with INH.Ethambutol should be given if central nervous system (CNS) or disseminated disease is present or if INH resistance is suspected. Extended therapy (up to 24 mo) is indicated for reactivation cases, extrapulmonary reactivated TB, or in the presence of other medical problems, such as diabetes mellitus or silicosis. Prophylaxis with INH for 12 mo should be considered in HIV-positive patients with positive PPD test. |
Ineffective Airway Clearance
NURSING DIAGNOSIS: Airway Clearance, ineffective
May be related to
- Thick, viscous, or bloody secretions
- Fatigue, poor cough effort
- Tracheal/pharyngeal edema
Possibly evidenced by
- Abnormal respiratory rate, rhythm, depth
- Abnormal breath sounds (rhonchi, wheezes), stridor
- Dyspnea
Desired Outcomes
- Maintain patent airway.
- Expectorate secretions without assistance.
- Demonstrate behaviors to improve/maintain airway clearance.
- Participate in treatment regimen, within the level of ability/situation.
- Identify potential complications and initiate appropriate actions.
| Nursing Interventions | Rationale |
| Assess respiratory function, e.g., breath sounds, rate, rhythm, and depth, and use of accessory muscles. | Diminished breath sounds may reflect atelectasis. Rhonchi, wheezes indicate accumulation of secretions/inability to clear airways that may lead to use of accessory muscles and increased work of breathing |
| Note ability to expectorate mucus/cough effectively; document character, amount of sputum, presence of hemoptysis. | Expectoration may be difficult when secretions are very thick as a result of infection and/or inadequate hydration. Blood-tinged or frankly bloody sputum results from tissue breakdown (cavitation) in the lungs or from bronchial ulceration and may require further evaluation/ intervention. |
| Place patient in semi- or high-Fowler’s position. Assist patient with coughing and deep-breathing exercises. | Positioning helps maximize lung expansion and decreases respiratory effort. Maximal ventilation may open atelectatic areas and promote movement of secretions into larger airways for expectoration. |
| Clear secretions from mouth and trachea; suction as necessary. | Prevents obstruction/aspiration. Suctioning may be necessary if patient is unable to expectorate secretions. |
| Maintain fluid intake of at least 2500 mL/day unless contraindicated. | High fluid intake helps thin secretions, making them easier to expectorate. |
| Humidify inspired air/oxygen. | Prevents drying of mucous membranes; helps thin secretions. |
| Administer medications as indicated:Mucolytic agents, e.g., acetylcysteine (Mucomyst);Bronchodilators, e.g., oxtriphylline (Choledyl), theophylline (Theo-Dur);
Corticosteroids (prednisone). |
Reduces the thickness and stickiness of pulmonary secretions to facilitate clearance.Increases lumen size of the tracheobronchial tree, thus decreasing resistance to airflow and improving oxygen delivery.May be useful in presence of extensive involvement with profound hypoxemia and when inflammatory response is life-threatening. |
| Be prepared for/assist with emergency intubation. | Intubation may be necessary in rare cases of bronchogenic TB accompanied by laryngeal edema or acute pulmonary bleeding. |
Impaired Gas Exchange
NURSING DIAGNOSIS: Gas Exchange, risk for impaired
Risk factors may include
- Decrease in effective lung surface, atelectasis
- Destruction of alveolar-capillary membrane
- Thick, viscous secretions
- Bronchial edema
Possibly evidenced by
[Not applicable; presence of signs and symptoms establishes an actual diagnosis.]Desired Outcomes
- Report absence of/decreased dyspnea.
- Demonstrate improved ventilation and adequate oxygenation of tissues by ABGs within acceptable ranges.
- Be free of symptoms of respiratory distress.
| Nursing Interventions | Rationale |
| Assess for dyspnea (using 0–10 scale), tachypnea, abnormal/diminished breath sounds, increased respiratory effort, limited chest wall expansion, and fatigue. | Pulmonary TB can cause a wide range of effects in the lungs, ranging from a small patch of bronchopneumonia to diffuse intense inflammation, caseous necrosis, pleural effusion, and extensive fibrosis. Respiratory effects can range from mild dyspnea to profound respiratory distress.Note: Use of a scale to evaluate dyspnea helps clarify degree of difficulty and changes in condition. |
| Evaluate change in level of mentation. Note cyanosis and/or change in skin color, including mucous membranes and nail beds. | Accumulation of secretions/airway compromise can impair oxygenation of vital organs and tissues. |
| Demonstrate/encourage pursed-lip breathing during exhalation, especially for patients with fibrosis or parenchymal destruction. | Creates resistance against outflowing air to prevent collapse/narrowing of the airways, thereby helping distribute air throughout the lungs and relieve/reduce shortness of breath. |
| Promote bedrest/limit activity and assist with self-care activities as necessary. | Reducing oxygen consumption/demand during periods of respiratory compromise may reduce severity of symptoms. |
| Monitor serial ABGs/pulse oximetry. | Decreased oxygen content (Pao2) and/or saturation or increased Paco2 indicate need for intervention/change in therapeutic regimen. |
| Provide supplemental oxygen as appropriate. | Aids in correcting the hypoxemia that may occur secondary to decreased ventilation/diminished alveolar lung surface. |
Imbalanced Nutrition
NURSING DIAGNOSIS: Nutrition: imbalanced, less than body requirements
May be related to
- Fatigue
- Frequent cough/sputum production; dyspnea
- Anorexia
- Insufficient financial resources
Possibly evidenced by
- Weight 10%–20% below ideal for frame and height
- Reported lack of interest in food, altered taste sensation
- Poor muscle tone
Desired Outcomes
- Demonstrate progressive weight gain toward goal with normalization of laboratory values and be free of signs of malnutrition.
- Initiate behaviors/lifestyle changes to regain and/or to maintain appropriate weight.
| Nursing Interventions | Rationale |
| Document patient’s nutritional status on admission, noting skin turgor, current weight and degree of weight loss, integrity of oral mucosa, ability/inability to swallow, presence of bowel tones, history of nausea/vomiting or diarrhea. | Useful in defining degree/extent of problem and appropriate choice of interventions. |
| Ascertain patient’s usual dietary pattern, likes/dislikes. | Helpful in identifying specific needs/strengths. Consideration of individual preferences may improve dietary intake. |
| Monitor I&O and weight periodically. | Useful in measuring effectiveness of nutritional and fluid support. |
| Investigate anorexia and nausea/vomiting, and note possible correlation to medications. Monitor frequency, volume, consistency of stools. | May affect dietary choices and identify areas for problem solving to enhance intake/utilization of nutrients. |
| Encourage and provide for frequent rest periods. | Helps conserve energy, especially when metabolic requirements are increased by fever. |
| Provide oral care before and after respiratory treatments. | Reduces bad taste left from sputum or medications used for respiratory treatments that can stimulate the vomiting center. |
| Encourage small, frequent meals with foods high in protein and carbohydrates. | Maximizes nutrient intake without undue fatigue/energy expenditure from eating large meals, and reduces gastric irritation. |
| Encourage SO to bring foods from home and to share meals with patient unless contraindicated. | Creates a more normal social environment during mealtime, and helps meet personal, cultural preferences. |
| Refer to dietitian for adjustments in dietary composition. | Provides assistance in planning a diet with nutrients adequate to meet patient’s metabolic requirements, dietary preferences, and financial resources post/discharge. |
| Consult with respiratory therapy to schedule treatments 1–2 hr before/after meals. | May help reduce the incidence of nausea and vomiting associated with medications or the effects of respiratory treatments on a full stomach. |
| Monitor laboratory studies, e.g., BUN, serum protein, and prealbumin/albumin. | Low values reflect malnutrition and indicate need for intervention/change in therapeutic regimen. |
| Administer antipyretics as appropriate. | Fever increases metabolic needs and therefore calorie consumption. |
Knowledge Deficit
NURSING DIAGNOSIS: Knowledge, deficient [Learning Need] regarding condition, treatment, prevention, self-care, and discharge needs
May be related to
- Lack of exposure to/misinterpretation of information
- Cognitive limitations
- Inaccurate/incomplete information presented
Possibly evidenced by
- Request for information
- Expressed misconceptions about health status
- Lack of or inaccurate follow-through of instructions/behaviors
- Expressing or exhibiting feelings of being overwhelmed
Desired Outcomes
- Verbalize understanding of disease process/prognosis and prevention.
- Initiate behaviors/lifestyle changes to improve general well-being and reduce risk of reactivation of TB.
- Identify symptoms requiring evaluation/intervention.
- Describe a plan for receiving adequate follow-up care.
- Verbalize understanding of therapeutic regimen and rationale for actions.
| Nursing Interventions | Rationale |
| Assess patient’s ability to learn, e.g., level of fear, concern, fatigue, participation level; best environment in which patient can learn; how much content; best media and language; who should be included. | Learning depends on emotional and physical readiness and is achieved at an individual pace. |
| Provide instruction and specific written information for patient to refer to, e.g., schedule for medications and follow-up sputum testing for documenting response to therapy. | Written information relieves patient of the burden of having to remember large amounts of information. Repetition strengthens learning. |
| Encourage patient/SO to verbalize fears/concerns. Answer questions factually. Note prolonged use of denial. | Provides opportunity to correct misconceptions/alleviate anxiety. Inadequate finances/prolonged denial may affect coping with/managing the tasks necessary to regain/maintain health. |
| Identify symptoms that should be reported to healthcare provider, e.g., hemoptysis, chest pain, fever, difficulty breathing, hearing loss, vertigo. | May indicate progression or reactivation of disease or side effects of medications, requiring further evaluation. |
| Emphasize the importance of maintaining high-protein and carbohydrate diet and adequate fluid intake. | Meeting metabolic needs helps minimize fatigue and promote recovery. Fluids aid in liquefying/expectorating secretions. |
| Explain medication dosage, frequency of administration, expected action, and the reason for long treatment period. Review potential interactions with other drugs/substances. | Enhances cooperation with therapeutic regimen and may prevent patient from discontinuing medication before cure is truly effected. Directly observed therapy (DOT) is the treatment of choice when patient is unable or unwilling to take medications as prescribed. |
| Review potential side effects of treatment (e.g., dryness of mouth, constipation, visual disturbances, headache, orthostatic hypertension) and problem-solve solutions. | May prevent/reduce discomfort associated with therapy and enhance cooperation with regimen. |
| Stress need to abstain from alcohol while on INH. | Combination of INH and alcohol has been linked with increased incidence of hepatitis. |
| Refer for eye examination after starting and then monthly while taking ethambutol. | Major side effect is reduced visual acuity; initial sign may be decreased ability to perceive green. |
| Evaluate job-related risk factors, e.g., working in foundry/rock quarry, sandblasting. | Excessive exposure to silicone dust enhances risk of silicosis, which may negatively affect respiratory function/bronchitis. |
| Encourage abstaining from smoking. | Although smoking does not stimulate recurrence of TB, it does increase the likelihood of respiratory dysfunction/bronchitis. |
| Review how TB is transmitted (e.g., primarily by inhalation of airborne organisms, but may also spread through stools or urine if infection is present in these systems) and hazards of reactivation. | Knowledge may reduce risk of transmission/reactivation. Complications associated with reactivation include cavitation, abscess formation, destructive emphysema, spontaneous pneumothorax, diffuse interstitial fibrosis, serous effusion, empyema, bronchiectasis, hemoptysis, GI ulceration, bronchopleural fistula, tuberculous laryngitis, and miliary spread. |
| Refer to public health agency. | DOT by community nurses is often the most effective way to ensure patient adherence to therapy. Monitoring can include pill counts and urine dipstick testing for presence of antitubercular drug. Patients with MDR-TB may be monitored with monthly sputum specimens for AFB smear and culture. Note:In some states, there are legal means for involuntary confinement for care if efforts to ensure patient adherence are ineffective. |
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