Page 1591 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

antigens, and allergens; can result in acute reversible
effects or chronic lung disease
2. Common disease classifications include occupational
asthma pneumoconiosis (silicosis or coal miner’s
[black lung] disease), diffuse interstitial fibrosis
(asbestosis, talcosis, berylliosis), or extrinsic allergic
alveolitis (farmer’s lung, bird fancier’s lung, or
machine operator’s lung).
B. Assessment: Manifestations depend on the type of disease and
respiratory symptoms.
C. Interventions

1. Prevention through the use of respiratory

protective devices
2. Treatment is based on the symptoms experienced by
the client.

XXI. Tuberculosis

A. Description
1. Highly communicable disease caused by
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
2. M. tuberculosis is a nonmotile, nonsporulating, acid-
fast rod that secretes niacin; when the bacillus reaches
a susceptible site, it multiplies freely.
3. Because M. tuberculosis is an aerobic bacterium, it
primarily affects the pulmonary system, especially the
upper lobes, where the oxygen content is highest, but
it also can affect other areas of the body, such as the
brain, intestines, peritoneum, kidney, joints, and liver.
4. An exudative response causes a nonspecific
pneumonitis and the development of granulomas in
the lung tissue.
5. Tuberculosis has an insidious onset, and many clients
are not aware of symptoms until the disease is well
advanced.

6. Improper or noncompliant use of treatment

programs may cause the development of mutations in
the tubercle bacilli, resulting in a multidrug- resistant
strain of tuberculosis (MDR-TB).
7. The goal of treatment is to prevent transmission,
control symptoms, and prevent progression of the
disease.

B. Risk factors (Box 50-9)

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