Tuberculosis
Topic: Infection control
An airborne infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, usually affecting the lungs. A cough lasting two weeks or more (WHO; the CDC uses three weeks), sputum, hemoptysis, night sweats, fever and weight loss are typical; latent infection causes no symptoms and is not contagious. Sputum tests (a rapid molecular test, smear and culture) confirm the diagnosis, and the tuberculin skin test or IGRA screens for infection. Active pulmonary TB needs airborne precautions and long multidrug therapy given as directly observed therapy.
- Also known as:
- TB
- In Turkish:
- Tüberküloz
What does Tuberculosis mean?
Tuberculosis is part of the Infection control topic in nursing. Students meet it in class, on clinical placements and while preparing for exams.
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