Infectious Disease

Lizadora Jones
Tuberculosis
HCA/240
Tuberculosis

Primary tuberculosis is seen as an initial infection usually in children. The initial focus of the
infection is a small sub pleural granuloma accompanied by granulomatous hilar lymph node infection.
Depends on the organ system involved. Pulmonary (lungs) tuberculosis (TB) fever, cough, night seats,
weight loss, cough with bloody sputum, chest pain, TB meningitis, headache, vomiting, stiff neck.
Disseminated tuberculosis (TB) multiple symptoms including abdominal pain, vomiting, painful urination
and bone pain.


TB is caused by a bacterium called mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacterium usually attacks
the lungs, but TB bacteria can attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain. If TB is
not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal. TB disease is transmitted and spread through the air from
on person to another. The spreading of the TB disease of the lungs or throat by coughs, sneezes, speaks
or singing. People standing nearby may breathe in the bacteria and become infected. The environmental
factors that may make someone vulnerable to it people who work or have care provided in a health care
setting have a higher risk of being infected with TB. Those who have weak immune systems are more
susceptible to contacting the disease. People living with HIV are more likely to become sick with TB
versus those who have a healthy immune system. Individuals who already have health problems like
diabetes, which makes it hard for the body to fight off the bacteria. Alcohol or drug abusers are more
Infectious Disease


vulnerable to contacting the disease. Drug users who inject themselves with needles of illegal drugs can
become infected.
The treatments available for patients who have TB, treatment will require 6-9 months of therapy
depending on the location and extent of the disease. Standard therapy of active
TB consists of 6 months regimen, 2 months isoniazid, rifampin and pyrazinamide. These are all
medications used for the treatment therapy of TB disease.

Infectious Disease 3


The method used to preventing the spread is always universal precautions first, then the use of
airborne precautions where the infected person if hospitalized would be paced in a isolation room away
from others to prevent them from becoming infected. Other measures are used like prompt detection of
the infected patient, administrative measures, and environmental control. The use of respiratory
protective equipment is also important for the protection of works and other patient as well as visitors.
The consequences of not controlling the TB disease would put others at high risk of developing the
disease. If the patient who has the TB is not protected as well from other who carry other types of
disease can put the TB person at risk of catching other serious diseases since their own immune system
is weak. If TB is not under control in a hospital environment this can become a serious issue that places
everyone around at risk and cause an epidemic outbreak. Hospitals must follow strict policy and
procedure guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Infectious Disease


To help prevent the disease travelers who anticipate possible exposure to individuals with TB
should have a tuberculin skin test done. An interferon gamma release essay test should be done for
those leaving the United States. Healthcare workers and providers need to have a skin Infectious test
administered every 6 months to check and see if positive or negative result. Other wellness strategies
are if you suspect someone has active TB they need to be wearing a mask to protect themselves and
from others. Health promotion never walk in a patients room with putting on protective gear first like a
mask, this helps you from breathing in the bacteria. Homeless population since they are at higher risk of
developing TB since they are living on the streets they need to be informed about the TB disease and
made aware of the free testing clinics in the communities. Health promotion would be to inform people
ways to prevent and protect you fromexposure and let them know many places offer free testing for TB
and teaching information is available. Community involvement in tuberculosis care and prevention:
community health planning utilization, national health programs, health planning guidelines and world
health organizations.