An infection control nurse has identified a problem related to infection control procedures on a medical unit that has a high census of clients diagnosed with tuberculosis. the nurse has decided to conduct an in-service education program for the staff about the required transmission-based precautions. the nurse determines that the program was successful based on which statement by the staff?

Answer and Explanation:

   Tuberculosis is an infectious and transmissible disease that primarily affects the lungs, although it can affect other organs and / or systems. The disease is caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis or Koch's bacillus.  It is an air spread disease and occurs from the inhalation of aerosols from the airways during the speech, sneezing, or coughing of people with active tuberculosis, who release aerosol-containing particles into the air that contain the bacillus.

    With the initiation of treatment, transmission tends to decrease gradually and, generally, after 15 days of treatment, it is greatly reduced.  However, control measures should be implemented such as covering the mouth with the arm or handkerchief when coughing, keeping the environment well ventilated and with plenty of sunlight.  The bacillus is sensitive to sunlight, and air circulation enables dispersion of infecting particles. Thus, ventilated environments with direct natural light reduce the risk of transmission.

   So the program was sucessful if the number of patients decreased, as the disease can be controlled veru easily by that measures controls listed above.