Nursing care for pulmonary tuberculosis patients : a case study of 2 cases

Abstract

This study was conducted on newly registered sputum smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients at the TB clinic of Waeng Noi Hospital, Waeng Noi District, Khon Kaen Province. The objectives were to study and compare treatment plans, nursing diagnoses, nursing care plans, and nursing outcomes in order to apply the knowledge gained to develop a model for caring for pulmonary tuberculosis patients in the community. Two pulmonary tuberculosis patients were specifically selected, who differed in terms of gender, age, health behaviors, symptoms, and signs at the hospital, but had positive AFB results and the same diagnosis: Tuberculosis of lung, between February 1, 2022 and February 21, 2024. Data were collected through interviews, physical examinations, observations, and medical record reviews. Data were analyzed by comparing health patterns, physician treatment plans, nursing diagnoses, nursing care plans, and nursing outcomes. The results of the study found that patient 1, an 85-year-old female, came to the hospital without symptoms and signs. The treatment results were in accordance with the physician's treatment plan, with no complications. Case study 2: A 50-year-old male patient came to the hospital with symptoms of fever, cough, and weight loss. During treatment, he did not quit drinking alcohol, smoking, and lacked medication. The treatment plan for drug-resistant tuberculosis had to be adjusted, which led to a longer treatment period. The results of the comparison of these two cases showed different nursing problems and difficulties in nursing practice. Nurses play an important role in caring for and promoting the health of patients, especially in the nursing process, which covers health assessment, planning, nursing care, and outcome assessment. The results of these operations can then be applied to further patient care.