Tuberculosis: An Update

Although tuberculosis has declined in the United States, the annual number of reported cases is in excess of 7,500 and the incidence rate remains disproportionately high among foreign-born, immunocompromised, and minority groups. The purpose of this course is to provide healthcare professionals with updated information regarding the pathogenesis, transmission, diagnosis, and treatment of tuberculosis in order to improve patient outcomes and promote the public health goal of eventual eradication of this infection. In addition, members of the public may use this course to enhance their personal knowledge of the subject matter presented. 


Upon completion of this course, you should be able to: 


1. Discuss the historical background of tuberculosis.

2. Describe the modes of transmission for tuberculosis.

3. Identify the three stages of tuberculosis.

4. List the signs and symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis.

5. Identify persons at high risk of contracting pulmonary tuberculosis.

6. Describe the methods of diagnosis used for suspected tuberculosis, including the necessity of a translator for assessing non-English-proficient patients.

7. Characterize the important forms of extrapulmonary tuberculosis.

8. Discuss the suggested treatment options for pulmonary tuberculosis.

9. Describe approaches to chemoprophylaxis of tuberculosis.

10. Identify patient teaching goals that help the patient understand and cope with the diagnosis of tuberculosis.


This 5-hour continuing education course is available for download for professional development; if continuing education credit is desired, please see instructions included in eBook.