Side effects and adverse reactions differ according to the drug prescribed. The
nursing assessment should include:
- History of past TB; PPD tests and reactions, chest xray and results, and
previous allergy to any antitubercular drugs. - Medical history; most are contraindicated with severe hepatic disease (liver).
- Assess for sign and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.
Check for hearing changes because some of the drugs are ototoxic. Nursing
diagnoses related to drug therapy for TB are:
- Risk for infection
- Risk for impaired tissue integrity
- Risk for hearing loss
Nursing interventions for patients being treated for tuberculosis are:- Administer 1 h before or 2 h after meals.
- Administer pyridoxine as prescribed.
- Monitor serum liver enzymes.
- Collect sputum specimens in early morning (usually 3 consecutive
mornings). - Arrange for eye examinations.
- Emphasize importance of complying with drug regimen.
Patient education:- Take before meals or 2 h after for better absorption.
- Take as prescribed.
- Do not to take antacids because they decrease TB drug absorption.
- Keep medical appointments and have sputum tested.
- Check with healthcare provider before becoming pregnant.
- Report numbness, tingling, or burning of the hands and feet.
- Avoid direct sunlight—use sunblock.
- Rifampin (urine, feces, saliva, sputum, sweat, and tears may be a harmless
red-orange color; soft contact lenses may be permanently stained.
Evaluation: Evaluate effectiveness with sputum specimens.CHAPTER 13 Antimicrobials—Fighting Infection^245