Community Health Nursing Practice Exam

The development of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is most likely attributed to noncompliance with the therapy for the full, recommended period. When patients with tuberculosis do not adhere to their prescribed treatment regimen, it allows the bacteria to survive and adapt. Incomplete treatment can lead to the emergence of drug-resistant strains of TB, as the weaker bacteria are eliminated while the more resilient, drug-resistant ones thrive. This resistance can spread, complicating treatment efforts and making TB outbreaks harder to control.

In contrast, the other reasons may contribute to the overall context of TB management but do not directly lead to the emergence of drug resistance in the same way. For example, a political and social response to declining rates may inadvertently reduce prioritization and funding for TB programs, but it’s the individual treatment adherence that directly affects resistance. Similarly, while a reduction in funding for surveillance and a premature sense that TB has been defeated can impact public health strategies, they do not directly influence the biological mechanism of developing drug resistance like noncompliance does. Thus, adherence to the full treatment regimen is critical to preventing the emergence of MDR-TB.