What bacteria causes TB?

myclobacterium TB

What is TB considered?

"acid fast"

How many stages of TB are there? Describe them.

1. Transmission - Infected
2. Primary infection - pt has pneumonia like symptoms that eventually go away
3. Latent infection - bacteria hibernates and chills for a while
4. Active TB - severe TB symptoms

List some signs and symptoms of TB.

low grade fever, weight loss, cough, fatigue, night sweats, coughing up blood (haemoptysis)

What are the drugs used to treat TB?

Rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, ethambutol (RIPE)

What is the prototype drug for rifamycin?

rifampin

How does rifampin work?

by inhibiting RNA synthesis

How would we use rifampin?

alone for latent TB, in combination with other TB drugs for active TB

What is rifampin's spectrum of activity?

broad but ONLY for TB

What are some nursing considerations for rifampin?

it can cause hepatotoxicity, renal failure, red/orange body fluids, is a BIG enzyme inducer (CYP450) (it will increase the metabolism of many other drugs)

What does isoniazid do?

inhibits bacterial CW formation

How would we use isoniazid?

alone, but ALWAYS in combination with other TB drugs for active TB.

What is isoniazid's spectrum of activity?

selective for mycobacteria

What are some nursing considerations for isoniazid?

it's hepatotoxic (can cause jaundice) and peripheral neuropathy. Do liver function tests and to counter peripheral neuropathy, use pyridoxine (vitamin B6).

What is a possible side effect of pyrazinamide?

hepatotoxicity

What is a possible side effect of ethambutol?

optic neuritis