NURSING PROBLEM IN INPATIENTS WITH DRUG-RESISTANT TUBERCULOSIS AT SULIANTI SAROSO INFECTIOUS DISEASE HOSPITAL

Background: Tuberculosis is a worldwide health problem, including in Indonesia. Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) is caused by spontaneous mutations in the chromosomes that cause resistance to first-line DR-TBugs. Objectives: to determine the patient characteristics and nursing problems of patients with DR-TB. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of inpatients with DR-TB in the DR-TB isolation ward at Sulianti Saroso Infectious Disease Hospital from July to December 2021. The variables investigated in this study include patient characteristics, comorbid diseases, tuberculosis treatment history, nutritional status, psychological status, nursing problem, and subcategories of nursing problems. Results: Most patients were 56-65 years old, male, high school graduates, unemployed, and married. Most of the populations had diabetes mellitus as a comorbid disease, a history of having received previous treatment, and long-term treatment regimens. Most patients had normal nutritional status and a calm and adaptive psychological history. Nursing problems were airway clearance, dietary deficits, and electrolyte imbalance. The sub-categories of nursing problems that appear most were nutrition and fluid intake, respiration, and ego integrity. This occurs due to physiological disturbances caused by the disease process and the side effects of DR-TBugs. Conclusion: The process of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection accelerates the body’s metabolism as it combats the bacteria. This resulted in decreased appetite and reduced nutritional status. Consequently, nurses should focus on intensified care for DR-TB patients. This involves ensuring adequate nutrition and fluid intake, offering spiritual support to boost confidence, and educating patients on maintaining airway hygiene.