Tuberculosis

🚨 Symptoms

Chronic cough (may be bloody), chest pain, fever, night sweats, weight loss, fatigue, chills

🔍 Causes

Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection; airborne transmission; risk factors: immunocompromised, close contact, poverty, malnutrition

💊 Treatment

Long-term multidrug antibiotic regimen (isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, pyrazinamide); directly observed therapy; drug-resistant TB requires specialized regimens

📝 Nursing Care

Airborne precautions, ensure medication adherence, monitor for hepatotoxicity, teach cough etiquette, contact tracing

Source: NHS Scotland. For educational purposes only.