TUBERCULOSIS
TUBERCULOSIS
INTRODUCTION
Tuberculosis (TB) is a major
and growing public health problem in
We will therefore give a
detailed accounts of the risk factor, pathophysiology. Clinical manifestations,
management and preventions of Tuberculosis
OBJECTIVES
At the end of the discussion, participants should be able
to:
- Define Tuberculosis
- State the cause and risk
factors of TB
- Describe the Pathophysiology
of TB
- Explain the clinical
manifestations of TB
- Describe the management of
TB i.e. investigations, medical and surgical management.
- State client education guide
for TB
DEFINITIONS
TUBERCULOSIS is a communicable, infectious, inflammatory and chronic
disease that can affect any part of the body
Pulmonary Tuberculosis
(P.T.B) is a chronic infectious disease that is characterized by the formation
of granulomas in the lungs.
Extra Pulmonary
Tuberculosis is T.B occurring anywhere
outside the lungs e.g. TB abdomen. TB spine, TB meningitis
Miliary Tuberculosis is
widespread dissemination of TB throughout the body.
EPIDEMIOLOGY
Despite improved methods of detection and treatment, TB
remains a worldwide health problem with an estimated 3 million diagnosed each
year (Polaski&Tatro, 1996). In
RISK
FACTORS
1.
Occupation; health workers are at risk of contracting TB due to
their nature of
work.Those who work in industries; for
example, miming industry.
2.
The social
–economically disadvantaged people often have a high incidence of TB which
may be as a result of poor nutrition, poor housing, inability to access medical
services etc
3.
The undernourished
persons are more prone to contracting TB People living in overcrowded and
poorly ventilated houses are predisposed to TB infection.
4.
Alcoholism clients dependent on alcohol or other chemicals because
of malnutrition, debilitation and generally poor health.
5.
Age ,elderly, infants and children under the age of 5 years
Clients with reduced immunity e.g.
HIV infection, malnutrition, on cancer therapy or on steroid therapy
AETIOLOGY
TB is an infectious disease caused by the bacillus
mycobacterium tuberculosis or the tubercle bacillus, an acid fast aerobic
organism. It is spread by droplet or ingestion. Mycobacterium Bovis does cause
TB in humans also.
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY (Anderson J.R.1985)
It incites a distinctive chronic inflammatory response
called granulomatous inflammation. When a susceptible person inhales
mycobacterium tuberculosis, he may become infected.
Primary
Infection TB
Infection of an individual who has not been previously
infected or immunized with TB bacilli gives rise to the primary lesion ( Ghon
Focus) at portal of entry in the lung, tonsil
or small intestine. This usually remains small and commonly heals without becoming
detectable .Although a primary infection may be only microscopic in size , the
following sequence of events typically occurs.
Many of the infecting mycobacterium TB are phagocytosed
by wondering macrophages (at the site of infection) without bringing about
destruction. The macrophages aggregate in increasing numbers to form a macrophage
granuloma or nodule. Eventually macrophages enlarge and change to epithelioid
cells. However before development of hypersensitivity and cell
–mediated immunity, many of the bacilli that survive within the macrophages are
carried into regional lymph nodes at the hilum of the lungs, in the neck or
mesentery depending on the site of the primary lesion. The combination of the
primary lesion and enlarged caseous regional lymph nodes is called Primary
focus. The lymphocytes surround the macrophage granuloma after 10 days
of infection and this is termed a tubercle. Lymphocytic infiltration
to the infection site follows develop cell mediated immune response, which
appears in the form of sensitized T cells and is detectable as long as living
bacilli remain in the body (perhaps for life).The acquired immunity usually inhibits
further growth of bacilli and development of active infection. Most primary
tubercles heal over a period of months through the formation of fibrous scars
and ultimately calcified lesions. These lesions may contain living bacilli that
can reactivate (even after many years) when the immunity is lowered to cause
re-infection or secondary TB. A primary lesion may not undergo a process of
necrotic degeneration cessation) which produce cavities filled with cheese like
mass of tubercle bacilli, dead white blood cells and necrotic lung tissue.
Primary TB infection may be controlled, in this
situation, the primary complex sites progress and worsen, possibly causing
cavitations and spread of active infection, the client becomes clinically ill.
Secondary or Re-infection
TB
In addition to progressive primary disease. Re-infection
may also lead to a clinical form of active TB. Primary sites of infection
containing TB bacilli may remain latent for years and then reactivate if the
client’s resistance is lowered. The re-infection lesion is usually in the apex
of one or the other lung and may extend to give a large local lesion with one
or more cavities. There may be involvement of the local lymph nodes.
SUMMARY OF
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Implantation in bronchiole or alveolus
Macrophages surround and engulf bacilli
Ghon’s focus (granulomatous lesion)
(Tuberculin test is positive due to cell mediated
hypersensitivity immune response)
Bacilli to tracheobronchial lymph nodes through lymph
channels causing granulomas in
tracheobronchial lymph nodes
Scar tissues forms and encapsulates primary lesion (where
there is small number of
Organisms and adequate body resistance).
Secondary TB (in lowered immunity or reinfection)
Extensive destruction of lung
Bronchus Air
filled cavity blood
& lymph vessel
Purulent Sputum Bronchogenic
spread Hematogenic
dissemination
(Aspiration of infected material)
Clinical manifestations
- Cough – The dry
cough is initially due to the irritation by the bacilli that is foreign to
the system. Later becomes productive when the cheesy material spills into
the bronchus and coughed up, usually purulent sputum. Later there is
hemoptysis due to erosion of blood vessels
- Chest pain – is due
to the destruction of tissue by disease process exposing the nerve endings
and also due to a reduction of oxygen causing ischemia leading to pain. Pain
is dull or pleuritic in nature, chest pain, and tightness may be present.
- Dyspnoea– is due to
a reduction in lung surface area, the destruction of blood vessels,
infection and inflammation of alveoli. If this persists and becomes severe
there may be cyanosis.
- Fever – is due to
the stimulation of the temperature – regulation center in the hypothalamus
by the toxins of the bacilli. Fever is cyclic, present around mid-day and
in the night. Fever is long term and low grade.
- Chills and Sweat –
are due to fever, there may be sweat around mid-day and at night when
there is fever.
- Fatigue and anorexia
– due to massive destruction of tissue by bacilli and a high ATP
requirement. Prolonged anorexia leads to weight loss.
MANAGEMENT
HISTORY TAKING
Throughout health history interview, record the following
data about a symptom problem:
¨
Onset (Specific
data, sudden or gradual)
¨
Duration
¨
Frequency
¨
Precipitating
factors
¨
Aggravating or
alleviating factors
¨
Treatment received
or self care given
¨
Outcome
Present Health Status
¨
Allergies
¨
Tobacco use
¨
Medications
¨
Aerosols or
inhalants use
¨
Recent screening or
diagnostic assessments
¨
Nutritional data
e.g. sudden weight loss, obesity.
Present illness
¨
Cough – Type, onset,
duration, pattern, severity and associated symptoms
¨
Sputum production-
amount, color, presence of blood, odor, consistency and pattern of production.
¨
Dyspnoea
¨
Chest pain
¨
Fever
Past health History
¨
Respiratory
infections and diseases
¨
Trauma to
respiratory system
¨
Surgery to
respiratory system
¨
Chronic conditions
of other systems e.g. renal or cardiac diseases
Family Health History
¨
Tuberculosis,
emphysema, lung cancer, pleural effusion, allergies
Other Considerations
Employment history to determine exposure to chemicals,
vapors, and dust allergens animals.
PREPARATION FOR
EXAMINATION: CLIENT AND ENVIROMENT
-
Warm, well lit,
quite room, supplementary lighting is essential for close
Inspection of specific areas
-
Privacy
-
Teach patient how to
sit and breath during auscultation of posterior thorax
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
Inspection
¨
Measure and assess
pattern of breathing
¨
Assess the skin and
overall configuration, symmetry and
integrity of thorax
¨
Inspection of nails
and lips for color and clubbing
Palpation
¨
Further assess
abnormalities suggested by health history or observation e.g. tenderness,
masses.
¨
Assess skin and
subcutaneous structures
¨
Assess thoracic
expansion
¨
Assess tracheal position
¨
Assess lymph nodes
for lymphadenopathy
Percussion
Ø
Determine the
relative amounts of air, liquid or solid materials in the underlying lung.
Ø
Determine the
positions and boundaries of organs. There is dullness or stony dullness on
affected parts.
Auscultation
Obtain information about the functioning of the
respiratory system and about presence of obstruction in the passages. There is
bronchial breathing, reduced air entry and crepitation
INVESTIGATIONS
AND DIAGNOSIS
- History of exposure
to TB and presenting symptoms.
- Skin testing with
either tuberculin – purified protein derivative (PPD) old tuberculin (OT)
is most common. The primary purpose is to detect individuals who are
infected but not necessarily diseased. Used as s screening device, can
provide false positive and false negative results. Mantoux test used for
diagnosis and jet gun/ multiple puncture for screening.
- Chest x-ray –posterioanterior
(PA ) and lateral are the standard views. They will show cavities in the
lungs.
- Sputum smear –Acid
Alcohol fast bacilli –determine the presence of mycobacterium
tuberculosis, which after taking up dye is not decolorized by acid
alcohol.
- Sputum culture and
sensitivity –culture identifies the specific organism to enable making
a specific diagnosis. It should be collected before initiation of
antibiotic therapy and thereafter to monitor effectiveness of antibiotic
therapy. Sensitivity serves as a guide to anti- microbial therapy by
identifying antibiotics that prevent the growth of the organism present in
the sputum.
- Gastric washing –most
patients swallow sputum when coughing in the morning or during sleep, an
examination of gastric content can reveal causative organism.
- Cerebral Spinal fluid
or aspirates from abscess analysis show the TB bacilli.
- Blood – FBC, there is
raised white cell count. ESR is raised. It is above 20mm
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
- Pneumonia
- Lung cancer
- Lung Abscess
- Cardiac disease
- Pneumoniocosis
MEDICAL TREATMENT
It is divided into three categories
Category 1
¨
Very infectious
group
¨
New patients who are
smear positive
¨
Patients with TB
meningitis ,TB spine , military TB
¨
They are put on
short course therapy of 2 months intensive supervised treatment
Then 6 months continuation phase.
¨
Drugs 2EHRZ/6EH
Ethambutol 800mg OD
Rifina 450/300 mg OD
Pyrazinamide 1.5 gm OD
In TB meningitis, continuation phase is up to 10 months.
After initial intensive phase, sputum is tested, if it is positive again,
intensive phase continues for 1 more month.
Category 2
¨
Relapses
¨
Patients who were
initially smear positive and remained positive after 5 -8 months
of treatment (usually due to drug resistance).
¨
They are put on
treatment therapy of 3 months intensive therapy and 5 months
Continuation phase
¨
Drugs
2HRZS/1HRZE/5HRE
Category 3
¨
Children below 12
years
¨
Pulmonary smear
negative but extra pulmonary smear positive
¨
Pleural effusion
¨
Drugs
Children 2RHZ/4HR (ethambutol not given as it may cause blindness)
Adult 2RHZ/6HE
Pregnant women 8HRZE
DRUGS
ISONIAZID (INH)
Classification Bactericidal,
penetrates all body tissues including CSF
Dosage 15mg/kg
po or im
Side effects Peripheral
neuritis, hepatitis, fever, hypersensitivity (rash)
Comments/ interventions Daily alcohol intake interferes with
metabolism in INH and increase risk of hepatitis; antacids containing aluminum
interfere with absorption of INH.
RIFAMPICIN (
Classification Bactericidal,
penetrates all body tissues including CSF
Dosage 600mg
po
Side effects Hepatitis, febrile
reactions, thrombocytopenia (rare) and hepatotoxicty increase when given with
INH
Comments / interventions Urine, sweat tears may turn orange
temporaliy, decrease effectiveness of oral contraceptives, anticoagulants,
corticosteroids, barbiturates hypoglycemic and digitalis.
ETHAMBUTOL
(EMB)
Classification Bacteriostatic does not
penetrate CSF, penetrate other body fluids
Dosage 50mg/kg
po
Side effect optic neuritis,
(reversible with discontinuation of drug) skin rash
Comments / interventions no significant reaction with other drugs,
check vision monthly; give with food.
PYRAZINAMIDE
(PZA)
Classification Bacteriostatic or
bactericidal, depending on susceptibility of mycobacterium
Dosage 50mg
/kg up to 3.5 g po
Side effect hyperuricemia,
hepatitis, arthraglia, G.I irritation
Comments /interventions Obtain baseline liver function tests and
repeat regularly give with food; drink 2L of fluid daily.
STREPTOMYCIN
(SM)
Classification Bactericidal, amino
glycoside, disrupt proteins synthesis, poor penetration into body tissues
including CSF
Dosage 25-30
mg/kg im
Side effect 8th
cranial nerve damage (vestibular or ocular), damage often irreversible
nephrotoxicity.
Comments/ interventions Monitor kidney and vestibular function
monthly monitor hearing
PROBLEM
ANALYSIS
- Maintenance of a safe environment ( Biological , Physical,
Psychological Environment
¨
Risk of injury from
falls due to fatigue
¨
TB association with
HIV/AIDS may lead to depression
- Communication
¨
Voice changes and
difficult in speaking due to dyspnoea
¨
Anxiety due to
unfamiliar place and stigma, may lead to isolation.
¨
Fear of prognosis
may lead to quick temper and sharp answers
¨
Depression may
flatten voice to monotony
- Breathing
¨
May have rapid
respiration and pulse due anxiety
¨
May have difficult
in breathing due to a reduction to lung tissue
¨
May need oxygen to
relieve dyspnoea
¨
Needs to be nursed
more in upright position to promote ventilation
- Eating and Drinking
¨
Needs plenty of
fluid, warm liquids, semi-solid foods and fruits to loosen
Secretions
¨
Months washed to
stimulate appetite
¨
Frequent emptying
and covering of sputum mug which is put away during
Meal times to promote appetite
¨
Needs small frequent
nutrition meals, high in protein, carbohydrate, iron
And vitamin to promote appetite and boost
ability to fight infection.
- Elimination
¨
Needs plenty of
fluid , warm liquids, semi –solid foods and fruits helps
Prevent constipation
¨
Needs a sputum mug
and teaching on how to care for the mug and on
Collection of sputum specimen
¨
Inform the patient
of the stool and urine Colour changes to avoid anxiety
¨
Frequent change of
clothes and beddings due to excessive sweating
- Personal Cleansing and Dressing
¨
Dressing pattern may
change according to fever , hence dressing may not
Be commensurate with whether at times which
may reduce self esteem
¨
Needs to understand
the importance of care of sputum mug coverage
Mouth when coughing
¨
Frequent change of
clothes and linen due to sweating
¨
Needs to have his /
her beds tidy without creases to prevent bed sores
- Controlling Body Temperature
¨
Patient may have
fever especially afternoon and night due to infection by
Bacilli.
¨
Temperature to be
monitored regularly (4 Hourly) to detect fever pattern especially in acute
phase
¨
Clothing and
beddings should be suitable for the body temperature which varies from time to
time
¨
Increased metabolic
rate due to fever may raise the temperature
- Mobilizing
¨
Drowsiness from
length periods of lying in bed would prevent him /her to mobilize
¨
Lack of energy and
fatigue from over use of ATP will lead to long rest
Periods preventing mobility
- Work and play
¨
Convalescence for
several days leads to inability to cope with usual work schedule
¨
Need for divisional
therapy (music. Imagery , reading watching TV) to prevent loneliness and
boredom and divert mind from the stigma of the disease
¨
Allow family and
friends to visit if possible and encourage the patient so that he has adequate
play time
- Expressing Sexuality
¨
Lack of privacy may
lead to frustration
¨
Loss of identity due
to hospital environment
- Sleep and Rest
¨
Lack of sleep due to
anxiety , strange environment dyspnoea
¨
Lack of sleep due to
chest pain and fever
¨
Noise and excessive
working hours may affect his or her rest sleep
- Dying
¨
Needs information
(parents) on disease process and prognosis to relieve fear of death
¨
Discussion of life
after death and spiritual support with family and patients is important tom
prepare family and patients
¨
May involve others
who recovered from the disease to share experiences with patients to give hope
of recovery
NURSING CARE
PLAN
The nursing care will be dependent on the problem
identified. These are those based on the 12 activities of living and the
presenting sings and symptoms. Also considering the general condition of the
patient
Problem One - Altered gas exchange
Nursing
Diagnosis
Gas exchange impaired related to decreased lung surface
area evidenced by dyspnoea and fatigue
Client Goal
The client will have improved gas exchange as evidenced
by vital signs within normal limits for client’s age and condition (adult,
respirations 18 -24; pulse 80.100; BP systolic 100-120 diastolic 70-90
Temperature 35.5-37.2 degrees Celsius) , pink skin and mucous membranes,
decreased dyspnoea and arterial gases within normal within two weeks
Nursing Strategies
Encourage nutritious food (high protein, carbohydrates,
and vitamins) and fluid intakes; encourage frequent mouth washed, small
frequent meals, well balanced and client’s preferences. Monitor weight daily
.Monitor temperature every six hours.
Give antipyretics and Anti Tuberculosis Drugs
Client outcome
Client has a reduction of anorexia and fever and thereby
exhibits an improvement in nutritional intake with weight gain of 3Kg and a
temperature of 36 to 37.2 degrees Celsius within two weeks.
Problem Two -
Knowledge Deficit
Nursing
Diagnosis
Knowledge deficit about spread and treatment of TB
related to lack exposure to information a evidenced by anxiety.
Client Goal
Client will be knowledgeable about spread and treatment
of TB related to lack of exposure to information as evidenced by inability to
correctly answer question on spread and treatment of TB (names of medication
being received and schedule for taking them and naming expected side effects of
medications) within one week.
Nursing Strategies
Nurse builds a trusting relationship so that client’s
education is an on going process and behavioral changes are made. All details
of the disease and drug therapy are carefully explained. Encourage client to
ask question,, reassure them, and explain also to family members .Let patients
doing well on TB treatment discuss condition and treatment with the patient.
Clients Outcome
Client acquire knowledge and understanding of
tuberculosis evidenced by answering questions about spread and treatment (Names
of medication being received and schedule For taking them and naming expected
side effects of medications )of TB correctly within one week.
Problem Three -
Fear
Nursing
Diagnosis
Fear relation to long-term illness requiring long-term
chemotherapy, life style changes unit less infectious as evidenced by
withdrawal
Client Goal
Client will accept and adjust to long term illness
requiring long term chemotherapy, life style changes until less infectious as
evidenced by social interaction with family , friends and staff and explaining
the importance of long term chemotherapy and life style changes within one
week.
Nursing
Strategies
Explain disease process to the client and signification
others, the necessity of long term therapy and changes of life style until less
infectious. Explain treatment and investigations encourage questions, and build
therapeutic relationship with client. Encourage supportive therapy from the
religious minister, social worker, and counselor to reinforce and assist with
changes in life style. Give divisional therapy (music, imagery)
Client Outcome
Client has accepted and adjusted to long term illness
requiring long term chemotherapy life style changes until less infectious as
evidenced by social interaction with family , friends and staff and explaining
the importance of long term chemotherapy
and life style changes within one week.
Problem Four –
High risk for infection
Nursing
Diagnosis
High risk for spread of infection related to denial and
stigma of TB evidenced by un protected cough
Client Goal
Client will prevent and minimize spread of infection
related to denial and stigma of TB evidenced by continuation of medication
therapy , covering mouth and nose while coughing, using and disposing tissues
correctly (trying in plastic and
throwing in covered bins ) when coughing and sneezing , and encouraging close
contacts to report for examination within two days.
Nursing
Strategies
Explain mode of infection spread, importance of
medication therapy, use and disposal of tissues after cough or sneeze,
importance of contact tracing, nutritional diet, good hygiene, ventilation and
avoidance of overcrowding. Monitor vital signs and record, monitor signs of
infection spread.
Clients Outcome
The client prevent and minimizes spread of infection as
evidenced by continuation of medication therapy, covering mouth and nose while
coughing using and disposing tissues correctly (trying in plastic and throwing
in covered bins) when coughing and sneezing, and encouraging close contacts to
report for examinations
COMPLICATIONS
- Miliary TB –due to
large numbers of bacteria entering the blood and giving rise to scattered
tubercles in the various organs of the body.
- Respiratory failure - due
to extensive scaring of the lung tissue and accumulation secretions in the
airway.
- Pleurisy with Effusion
- Broncho pleural fistula
- Empyema
- Atelectasis
- Pneumothorax
CLIENT
EDUCATION GUIDE
Teach the client as follows :
¨
TB is infectious
,but it may be cured or arrested if you take your medication as
prescribed.
¨
TB is transmitted by
droplet infection and is not carried on articles such as
clothing, books or eating utensils. You do not dispose of
any possessions
¨
Cover your nose and
mouth when coughing, laughing or sneezing
¨
Wash your hands very
carefully after any contact with body substance masks or soiled tissues. Sputum
is highly contaminated. Cough into tissues paper and dispose of them properly
¨
Wear masks inn
appropriate situations when advised. Make sure they are tight fitting and
changes them frequently.
¨
People with TB are
usually not restricted in their activities for more than 2 to 4
weeks
after medications is begun and they are not isolated from others as long as
compliance is maintained. TB is no longer treated by isolation in sanatoriums.
¨
Treatment may be
necessary for long time. Take your medication exactly as
prescribed and report all side effects to your doctor. Do
not stop the medication for any reason without the doctor’s supervision. Keep
an adequate supply of medication available at times to avoid running out.
Compliance with treatment is essential. (Luckman. 1993)
CONCLUSION
Tuberculosis is
one of the major communicable diseases and it is a worldwide problem. However
with good preventive, diagnostic and curative measures it can be controlled and
is curable.
Transmission is person to person by air therefore
confined spaces and poor ventilation increase the risk of exposure. Once
infected, a person can be infected for life and can develop active TB disease
at any time. HIV infection facilitates progression on the active TB disease,
and treatment is essentially the same regardless of HIV station for the
affected individual and the community. It is essential that TB treatment are
taken properly and completed.
Tuberculosis is curable, provided that treatment is began
early and the patient takes all the prescribed drugs as per regime, If
untreated, about 50% of TB patients will die within two years
Control
of TB and Health Education
Ø
Treat
new cases promptly, before the disease spreads to others.
Ø
All
family members and close contacts should be checked. Children under five with positive Heaf tests
should be given INH prophylactically.
Ø
Work
to improve social conditions which increase the risk of becoming infected, eg.
overcrowding, poverty, malnutrition.
Ø
Educate
patients as to the importance of covering the mouth when coughing, proper
disposal of sputa by burying or burning, and the necessity of finishing the
course of treatment. Educate the public
regarding spread and control of the disease.
Ø
Vaccination with BCG. This is a suspension of TB bacilli which will
not cause disease but will cause the recipient to produce antibodies. In Zambia BCG vaccine is given to new born
babies, school entrants and school leavers.
Ø
Eliminate
TB in dairy herds by TB testing and slaughter if reactive; pasteurize or boil
milk.
Ø
Educate
the public regarding the spread of AIDS, which lowers immunity and increases
the risk of TB.
Ø
Tuberculosis
registry. TB is a notifiable disease and
the names of all patients are reported to the Health Department. They are given a card indicating the type and
duration of treatment. They are to
return to the clinic until the disease is considered inactive.
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Anderson .J.R (1985) Muir’s Textbook of Pathology. Butler and Tanner
Limited London
Barkauskas, V.H , Baumann ,L.C Allen ,K,S.fisher
–Darling, G (1994)
Health and physical Assessment St Louis: Mosby
Black ,J.M &Matassarin –Jacobs ,E, (1993).Luckmann and Sorensen’s
Medical surgical nursinga
psycho logic approach 4th Ed.
Philadelphia W.B Saunders Company.
CBoH (1997) Integrated Technical Guidelines for
front line health workers. Lusaka
Dudas,S, Beyer’s M (1977). The Clinical practice of medical –surgical
Nursing 1st Ed (pp 280 -285 ) Boston : Little ,Brown
and company.
Ignatavicius, D.D workman, L.M &Mishler,M.A (1999)
MedicalSurgical Nursing Across the
health care continuum.3rdEd: Philadelphia W.B Saunders
Company
Phipps,W.JLassmeyers, V.L Sands J.K & Lehman M.K (1995)
MedicalSurgical Nursing, Concept and
clinical practice 5th Ed St Louis Mosby.
Smeltzer, S.Bare B (1992) Brunner and suddarth’s textbook of medical –Surgical Nursing 7th Ed Philadelphia: J.B
Lippincott Company
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