Clinical Case Management of Tuberculosis for Nurses: Evidence Based Strategies and Legal Compliance

Course overview

Course Title: Clinical Management of Tuberculosis: Active, Latent, and Extrapulmonary Presentations This continuing education course is designed for nursing professionals and members of the medical community who require advanced, evidence-based training in the diagnosis, management, and legal compliance of tuberculosis (TB). The module addresses a critical need in clinical practice: reducing knowledge gaps and strengthening professional education on TB in its active, latent, and extrapulmonary forms. The course is structured into thematic sections covering: Clinical and epidemiological foundations of TB Diagnostic testing and interpretation (PPD, IGRA, chest X-ray, sputum culture, bronchoscopy, biopsy, CT scan) Differentiation between active, latent, and extrapulmonary TB Management and treatment protocols, including multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) Applied clinical case studies Final evaluation and certification Content is based on updated guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2025) and the Florida Department of Health (2024), ensuring alignment with current standards of care. All material is written in academic format, following APA 7th edition citation standards, and developed from scientific evidence and direct clinical experience. Participants will learn to: Identify clinical and epidemiological characteristics of TB presentations. Accurately interpret diagnostic tests and apply results to patient care. Differentiate between active, latent, and extrapulmonary TB, recognizing implications for contagiousness and treatment. Recognize extrapulmonary TB presentations (gastrointestinal, genitourinary, cutaneous, meningeal) and apply criteria for suspicion and referral. Apply interdisciplinary management strategies, including Directly Observed Therapy (DOT), patient education, and coordination with specialists. Promote continuing education and reduce stigma, reinforcing the role of nurses as agents of change in infectious disease care. Historical context is included to highlight the evolution of TB treatment, from early sanatorium care to modern antibiotic regimens. The course emphasizes practical tools for clinical decision-making, diagnostic interpretation, and interdisciplinary coordination, while reinforcing compliance with Florida Board of Nursing requirements. Duration: 3 contact hours Format: Structured reading, applied case studies, and final evaluation Passing Requirement: A minimum score of 70% is required on the final test to earn certification. Accreditation: Florida Board of Nursing, Rule 64B9-5.013, FAC