Denise Mead, 45, had been working as a nurse at Longford Hospital, Puerto Rico, for ten (10)
years when she developed a latent tuberculosis infection. Ms. Mead contracted latent
tuberculosis 5 years ago and has since received full treatment. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is
the bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB). TB bacteria typically attack the lungs, but they
can also attack other parts of the human body, including the kidney, spine, and brain. there are
two TB-related conditions: latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and TB disease. TB disease
can be fatal if not treated properly (CDC.gov). Apart from suffering from TB, Ms. Mead also
suffered from hypotension. However, her immune system is strong so she was able to
continue her daily routine. She was and is still a hard-working nurse who sees to the needs of
all those in her care. She was also an active member of the community group in her town.
Denise contracted the disease from one of her new patients without knowing that she had
been exposed to TB. She showed no sign of the disease because people with latent
tuberculosis do not feel sick and are at a greater risk of developing active tuberculosis.
The test that is commonly used to detect TB bacteria in the body is the tuberculin skin test. It
was administered intradermally with the use of the the Mantoux technique by injecting 0.1 ml
of 5 TU purified protein derivative (PPD) solution. Delayed hypersensitivity reactions can be
detected 2-8 weeks after infection if a person is infected. TST reactions was read and
interpreted by a qualified and experienced medical professional within 48 to 72 hours of
administering(doh.wa.gov, nd).A positive tuberculosis skin test will only indicate that Ms.
Meade has been infected with tuberculosis bacteria. However, it did not show whether the she
has latent tuberculosis (LTBI) or TB disease. Additionally, chest radiography is required
when starting LTBI treatment, according to Chapman and Lauzardo (2014). The goal is to
confirm the absence of active TB and the presence of any remaining old lesions caused by
natural healing following previous TB development. The symptoms and chest x-ray results
were both negative, which is common in LTBI patients.
The standard treatment for LTBI is to take isoniazid (INH) once daily for six to nine months
(CDC). Since the vaccine has to be administered by a health professional, Ms. Meade has to
visit the TB ward at the hospital to receive this treatment (Chapman & Lauzardo, 2014). Ms.
Mead was quite stressed during the time of the treatment since she had to travel far to
received treatment because it was far away from where she lived. Just like any other person,
she was stressed and she lost weight. However, being a nurse, she cooperated and ensured
that she took her medication when required because she knew the importance of being treated
for TB. She also wanted to continue working as a nurse, and taking the treatment was the only way that could happen because the treatment will prevent