Nursing Component Task
Nursing procedures & clinical learning

Public Health Nursing (PHN)

HOME VISIT TO A CLIENT WITH TUBERCULOSIS

This is a visit made by the Public/Community health nurse to a client with tuberculosis in the home.

Purpose

  • Ensure client’s adherence to prescribed medication
  • Educate client on coughing etiquette
  • Provide support for clients and their relatives or caregivers to prevent lapses in treatment
  • Counsel clients and relatives on good nutrition and personal hygiene
  • Conduct contact tracing to prevent spread of tuberculosis to other people
  • Detect early infection for treatment
  • Prevent opportunistic infections, disability and risk of death
  • Reduce stigmatization

Indications

  • Client requires a client with tuberculosis assessment or care.

Equipment

  • Refer to items in the well-equipped home visiting bag
  • Map of the area/community
  • Records of the client manually/electronically
  • Register of the area/community
  • Arrange for transportation

Preparation

  • Review client records and history.
  • Gather necessary equipment and supplies.
  • Plan the visit timing and logistics.

Procedure steps

  • Read map of the community
  • Knock, enter, greet and introduce self
  • Establish rapport/ensure privacy and confidentiality
  • Observe environment for cleanliness, safety and comment
  • Assist client to identify health needs
  • Check and use items in the home visit bag
  • Interview and counsel client/family on:
  • General health
  • Diet
  • Bowel movement
  • Sleeping pattern and recreational activities
  • Medications and continuation of treatment
  • Availability of treatment supporter
  • Date for review at the health facility
  • Relationship with family/community members
  • Schooling/occupation
  • Care of sputum container/sputum disposal
  • Prevention of spread of diseases through health education
  • Proper ventilation and prevention of overcrowding
  • Any special problems

Precautions

  • Maintain infection prevention and control measures throughout.
  • Respect client privacy and confidentiality.
  • Ensure cultural sensitivity and dignity.
  • Refer or escalate when complications arise.

Aftercare

  • Evaluate client response to interventions.
  • Schedule follow-up as needed.
  • Ensure client understands care plan.

Nursing considerations

  • Adapt care to client's unique circumstances.
  • Involve family members as appropriate.
  • Consider social determinants of health.

Patient education

  • Provide condition-specific health education.
  • Teach self-care strategies where applicable.
  • Reinforce importance of follow-up.

Documentation

  • Record all assessments and findings.
  • Document interventions provided.
  • Note client education given.
  • Report any referrals made.

References and further reading

Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.

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