Nursing Care of Infected Patients with Nontuberculous Mycobacteria: A Case Study

Abstract

Infected patients with Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are increasing worldwide. NTM is caused by the Mycobacterium bacteria genus, which can also cause Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) in humans and animals. NTM is usually found in the environment, and this infection does not transmit from person to person. NTM is less virulent than tuberculosis. However, it is a significant public health issue because NTM is a challenging disease to diagnose and treat. Patients may be admitted to a hospital for receiving treatment and monitoring of their symptoms in the long term. The patients also have a chance of reinfection, have high severity disease, and have a high mortality rate, especially in immunocompromised hosts. Nurses are one of the health care providers who play an important role in taking care of patients. Knowledge of NTM disease and the drugs used to treat it is required for all nurses. As a result, the patients will receive the appropriate treatments, reduce the occurrence of adverse drug reactions and prevent complications while in the hospital and after discharge. This article consists of information about NTM disease and the role of providing holistic care to patients. The purpose is to improve guidelines for nurses to take care of patients effectively.