A respiratory therapist has a positive TB skin test after having contact with a patient with active TB. Which of the following actions would MOST likely be taken regarding the positive skin test?

a. The therapist will be started on a 1-year course of isoniazid prophylactically.
b. The test will be followed with monthly chest x-rays to detect changes in the lung parenchyma.
c. The therapist will be on paid administrative leave for 3 months until it is ensured that she is noncontagious.
d. The therapist will be required to wear a mask at work for 3 months until it is established that she is noncontagious.

A
The prophylactic use of isoniazid is often prescribed as a daily dose for 1 year in individuals who have been exposed to the TB bacilli or who demonstrate a positive tuberculin reaction (even when the acid-fast sputum stain is negative). Patients with TB usually are not contagious after a few weeks of treatment.