Control of Communicable Diseases - Learning Objectives Quiz

Preparing Sputum Specimens for TB Diagnosis

• Motivate the presumptive TB patient to undergo sputum exam (DSSM) and explain the importance of submitting two (2) sputum specimens.
• Prepare the sputum cups and the Form 3.2a NTP Laboratory Request Form, labeling the body of the sputum cup with the patient's complete name and the order of specimen collection (1st and 2nd).
• Demonstrate how to produce quality sputum, avoiding mucus from the nose and throat, and saliva from the mouth.

Collecting Quality Sputum

• Clean the mouth by thoroughly rinsing with water to remove food particles or other solid particulates that may inhibit the test for Multiple Drug Resistant TB.
• Breathe deeply, hold breath for a second or two, and then exhale slowly, repeating the sequence two more times.
• Cough strongly after inhaling deeply for the third time, trying to bring up sputum from deep within the lungs.
• Expectorate the sputum in the sputum cup or conical tube, collecting at least 1 teaspoonful (5-10ml) for DSSM. For Multi-Drug Resistant TB, sputum samples should not be less than one (1) ml.

Communicable Diseases

• Communicable diseases are illnesses caused by an infectious agent or its toxic products, transmitted directly or indirectly to a person, animal, or intermediary host or inanimate environment.
• Examples of communicable diseases include Tuberculosis, Leprosy, Filariasis, Malaria, and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever.
• Key terms to remember: agent, candidiasis, chain of infection, communicable disease, contagious, Direct Sputum Smear Microscopy (DSSM), environment, epidemiologic triangle, eradication, host, infectious disease, infectious agent, mode of transmission, portal of entry, reservoir.

Epidemiologic Triangle Disease Model

• The epidemiologic triangle consists of the agent, host, and environment.
• The agent refers to the infectious microorganism, the host refers to the person or animal infected, and the environment refers to the external factors that contribute to the spread of disease.

Control of Communicable Diseases

• The roles and responsibilities of the nurse in the NTP and DOTS strategy include administrator, health educator, case manager and coordinator, community organizer, and TB program advocate.
• The nurse plays a crucial role in the control of communicable diseases in the community.

Mosquito-Borne Diseases

• Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by the dengue virus, transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito.
• Symptoms include undifferentiated fever, dengue fever, and dengue hemorrhagic fever.
• Treatment and management involve giving paracetamol, encouraging oral intake of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), and avoiding dark-colored foods.

Malaria

• Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by the parasite Plasmodium, transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito.
• Symptoms include fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms.
• Laboratory diagnostic tests include travel history, blood smears, and PCR.

Leprosy

• Leprosy is a chronic bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae, affecting the nerves, skin, and mucous membranes.
• Symptoms include muscle weakness, numbness in the hands, arms, feet, and legs, and skin lesions.
• Treatment involves the 5 pillars of leprosy control.

Rabies

• Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system, transmitted through the bite of an infected animal.
• Symptoms include fever, headache, and agitation, progressing to paralysis and death if left untreated.
• Treatment and management involve post-exposure prophylaxis and wound cleaning.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

• Sexually transmitted diseases include HIV/AIDS, gonorrhea, syphilis, and candidiasis.
• Symptoms vary depending on the disease, but may include genital discharge, burning urination, and skin lesions.
• Treatment and management involve antibiotic therapy and antiretroviral therapy.