Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patient Care

Diagnosis:

• Based on direct sputum smear for AFB (Acid Fast Bacillus).

Complications:

• Respiratory: Hemoptysis, pneumothorax, chronic respiratory failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), acute tuberculosis, extrapulmonary tuberculosis, lung superinfection, atelectasis, pulmonary embolism.

• Other: Fibrosis, calcification, pleural fibrosis, bronchiectasis.

Assessment:

• Systemic: Fatigue, rapid weight loss, evening fever, night sweats.

• Respiratory: Persistent cough (initially dry cough, later with phlegm, hemoptysis).

• Circulation: Pulse, blood pressure.

Treatment:

• Symptomatic: Pain relief, cough suppression, fever reduction, oxygen therapy.

• Complication Management: Treatment of hemoptysis, pneumothorax.

Medication:

• Principle: Take oral anti-tuberculosis drugs 30-60 minutes before injection. Take medication on an empty stomach.

• Note: Take medication 2 hours after meals or 1 hour before meals.

• Side effects:

• Streptomycin: Allergy, dizziness, tinnitus, loss of balance.

• Isoniazid and Rifampicin: Allergy, loss of appetite, nausea.

• Pyrazinamide: Hepatitis, joint pain.

• Ethambutol: Vision impairment, pain.

Diet:

• Principle: High protein, high calorie, moderate fat. Supplement Vitamin A, B, C, and calcium.

Note:

• This article provides general information on caring for pulmonary tuberculosis patients.

• For proper treatment and care, consult a specialist physician.