The client recently diagnosed with tuberculosis asks the nurse why so many different pills are required to treat the infection. The nurse bases the response on the knowledge that:

Question

1. Treatment is a trial-and-error process, and it will take 14 days for the appropriate drug to be identified.
2. Mycobacteria grow slowly and often develop resistance during the course of treatment.
3. It is difficult for a single drug to break down the cysts that are formed by the tubercle.
4. The client might have a genetic difference that requires multiple dosing.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: Treatment is not identified through trial and error.
Rationale 2: Mycobacteria grow slowly and often develop resistance during the course of treatment.
Rationale 3: Although it is difficult to attack the tubercle, this is not why several drugs are used.
Rationale 4: Genetics do not play a role in medication identification.
Global Rationale: Combination drug therapy is necessary because mycobacteria grow slowly and often develop resistance during the course of treatment. Therapy is not trial and error nor do genetics play a role in which medication is used. The tubercle is difficult to attack, but this does not explain why several different drugs are used.