In the early fall, a neonatal nurse in a large metropolitan hospital became ill
ID: 87062 • Letter: I
Question
In the early fall, a neonatal nurse in a large metropolitan hospital became ill with a cough and fever. His physician believed he had seasonal allergies and so treated him with cough suppressant,antihistamines, and aerosol steroids. He returned to work in the hospital’s nursery.
Three weeks later his condition had worsened; his symptoms were complicated by shortness of breath and bloody sputum. Upon further questioning, his physician noted that he was working in the United States on a work visa and was a native of South Africa. He had a positive skin test for tuberculosis (TB) but had always believed this was his body’s natural reaction to the TB vaccine he had received as a child. His chest X-ray films in the past had always been clear of infection.
This time, however, his sputum smear tested positive for acid-fast bacilli. He was diagnosed with active tuberculosis and began a standard drug regimen for TB. He was restricted from work and placed in respiratory isolation for six weeks, but during the three weeks that he had continued to work in the nursery, he exposed over 900 obstetric patients, including 620 newborns, to TB, an airborne infectious disease.
Part A
When the diagnosis of tuberculosis was confirmed, this case became one of national interest. What happened?
Part B
Three infants test positive for tuberculosis 12 weeks later. None of their family members test positive for TB. Which of the following designations best categorizes these cases?
Part C
Which term best classifies tuberculosis?
Part D
Why was the nurse placed in respiratory isolation?
Because tuberculosis is a contagious disease, the physician should notify the state pubic health department first CDC. Because tuberculosis is an endemic disease, the physician would not need to notify the hospital, city, or county. Because tuberculosis is a notifiable disease, the physician should notify the hospital infectious control department, city/county public health departments state pubic health department CDC. Because tuberculosis is a nosocomial disease, the physician should notify the state pubic health department CDC.Explanation / Answer
A. Because tuberculosis is a contagious disease, the physician should notify the state pubic health department first CDC.
B. These new cases would be exogenous nosocomial infections.
Exogenous nosocomial infections are the result of pathogens being spread by patients.
C. contagious
Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly contagious.
D. He was in respiratory isolation to prevent airborne transmission of tuberculosis to others.