Tuberculosis Update – Pre Quiz

Tuberculosis is transmitted by repeated exposure to airborne particles called “droplet nuclei” which are spread when someone with pulmonary TB sneezes, coughs, speaks or sings.

Within 2- 12 weeks after initial infection, the immune responses limits further multiplications of tubercle bacilli; some, however remain dormant and viable for years and this is known as latent TB infection.

A Mantoux or PPD skin test is read 48 to 72 hours after placement.

Absence of a reaction o the TB skin test does not exclude he diagnosis of tuberculosis.

The local county health department must be notified of all TB cases or even suspected cases.

it is only necessary to place a patient in airborne/ respiratory isolation when diagnosis of TB is definitely  confirmed.

After several weeks of drug therapy, most patients with TB feel much better and their rate of being infectious decreases.

Since TB is transmitted through the air, sterilization of personal items and eating utensils is absolutely necessary.

Experts generally agree that pulmonary TB is considered non-infectious if three (3) consecutive sputum smears on the same day are negative.

Isolation rooms for AFB isolation need to have negative pressure capability.