NBCSN Nationally Certified School Nurse Practice Exam

After how long of medication therapy is an adolescent with active TB considered non-infectious?

1. 1 week

2. 2 weeks

3. 3 weeks

4. 4 weeks

The correct answer is: 2 weeks

An adolescent with active tuberculosis (TB) is typically considered non-infectious after they have been on appropriate anti-TB therapy for at least two weeks. The rationale behind this timeframe is based on the effectiveness of the medication in reducing the bacterial load in the individual and, consequently, minimizing the risk of transmission to others. During the first two weeks of treatment, the individual's sputum is tested for the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and it is common to see a significant decrease in the number of viable bacteria, which lowers the infectious potential. The two-week mark allows time for the body to begin responding to the treatment adequately, leading to decreased coughing and a reduced risk of spreading the bacteria to others. While the total duration for TB treatment can extend for several months, the determination of non-infectious status is specifically tied to the initial two weeks of effective therapy. This information is crucial for managing public health and ensuring the safety of school environments, where adolescents interact closely with peers. Options that propose a duration longer than two weeks may reflect the full course of therapy necessary for a complete resolution of TB, but they do not accurately represent the time after which an individual can be regarded as non-infectious.