Pathophysiology of the respiratory system > Pathophysiology
Exam Review
Tuberculosis
Total Questions : 35
Showing 35 questions, Sign in for moreExplanation
A) Incorrect. TB is not primarily transmitted through contaminated food and water; it is mainly an airborne disease.
B) Correct. TB is primarily an airborne disease, and the bacteria can be transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
C) Incorrect. TB is not primarily transmitted through sexual contact.
D) Incorrect. TB is not primarily transmitted through contact with skin lesions. It primarily affects the lungs and is transmitted through the respiratory route.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Joint pain and swelling are not typical symptoms of pulmonary TB.
B) Incorrect. Skin rash and itching are not common symptoms of pulmonary TB.
C) Correct. Persistent cough and sputum production are common symptoms of pulmonary TB, as the disease primarily affects the lungs.
D) Incorrect. Blurred vision and eye pain are not typical symptoms of TB, although TB can affect other parts of the body in addition to the lungs.
Explanation
A) Correct. LTBI is not contagious, as the bacteria are dormant and not actively causing illness. Active TB disease, on the other hand, is contagious and can be transmitted to others through respiratory droplets.
B) Incorrect. LTBI is not contagious, whereas active TB disease is contagious.
C) Incorrect. LTBI and active TB disease have different symptoms and treatment approaches. LTBI has no symptoms, while active TB disease presents with symptoms and requires treatment to prevent progression.
D) Incorrect. LTBI does not always progress to active TB disease. In fact, many individuals with LTBI do not develop active disease, but they are at risk, especially if their immune system becomes compromised.
Explanation
A) Correct. Isolation in a negative-pressure room is the standard precaution for preventing the transmission of TB in healthcare settings, as it helps contain airborne pathogens.
B) Incorrect. While handwashing is important for general infection control, it is not the primary measure for preventing TB transmission.
C) Incorrect. Wearing a surgical mask at all times is not sufficient to prevent TB transmission, especially in a healthcare setting.
D) Incorrect. Avoiding close contact with the client is not a practical measure for healthcare professionals providing care to TB patients. Proper isolation measures are more effective.
Explanation
A) Correct. Using multiple drugs to treat TB reduces the risk of drug resistance development, as it targets the bacteria from different angles and makes it harder for them to become resistant to one or more drugs.
B) Incorrect. While using multiple drugs may help manage side effects by spreading the burden of treatment, the primary purpose is to prevent drug resistance.
C) Incorrect. Shortening the treatment duration is a goal, but it is not the primary purpose of using multiple drugs.
D) Incorrect. Although improving patient compliance is important, the primary purpose of using multiple drugs is to reduce drug resistance.
QUESTIONS
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Living in well-ventilated areas with good air circulation actually reduces the risk of TB transmission, as TB is an airborne disease.
B) Incorrect. Having a strong immune system can help protect against TB infection, as a compromised immune system increases the risk of developing active TB disease from latent TB infection.
C) Correct. Close contact with someone who has active TB disease is a significant risk factor for TB transmission, as the bacteria can be transmitted through respiratory droplets.
D) Incorrect. While cleanliness and hygiene are important, excessive handwashing alone is not sufficient to prevent TB transmission, as the bacteria are primarily transmitted through the air.
Explanation
A) Correct. During latent TB infection, TB bacteria are in a dormant state and do not actively replicate or cause symptoms. They can become active and multiply if the immune system weakens.
B) Incorrect. While the immune system can control TB bacteria during latency, it does not immediately eliminate them.
C) Incorrect. Latent TB infection can occur in various parts of the body, not just the lungs, and it typically does not cause symptoms.
D) Incorrect. TB bacteria in latent infection are in a dormant state and do not actively multiply, although they remain viable.
Explanation
A) Correct. Using multiple drugs to treat TB reduces the risk of drug resistance development, as it targets the bacteria from different angles and makes it harder for them to become resistant to one or more drugs.
B) Incorrect. While using multiple drugs may help manage side effects by spreading the burden of treatment, the primary purpose is to prevent drug resistance.
C) Incorrect. Shortening the treatment duration is a goal, but it is not the primary purpose of using multiple drugs.
D) Incorrect. Although improving patient compliance is important, the primary purpose of using multiple drugs is to reduce drug resistance.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. LTBI does not always progress to active TB disease. Many individuals with LTBI do not develop active disease, especially if they have a strong immune system.
B) Incorrect. While the risk of progression is highest in the first two years after LTBI, it can occur at any time, and some individuals may progress years or even decades later.
C) Correct. LTBI rarely progresses to active TB, especially in individuals with a strong immune system. Most people with LTBI do not develop active disease.
D) Incorrect. LTBI carries a risk of progressing to active TB disease, although the risk is relatively low in many individuals.
Explanation
A) Correct. Granulomas are structures formed by the immune system in an attempt to encapsulate and contain TB bacteria, preventing their spread and aiding in their destruction.
B) Incorrect. Granulomas are not clusters of active TB bacteria; they are the body's response to containing the bacteria.
C) Incorrect. TB bacteria interact with the immune system within granulomas, leading to the formation of these structures.
D) Incorrect. Granulomas are not the primary site of TB bacteria replication; instead, they are formed to limit bacterial replication and spread.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. TB is primarily transmitted through the inhalation of respiratory droplets from an infected person and is not related to contaminated water or food sources.
B) Incorrect. Having a family history of TB can increase the risk, as there may be genetic factors that affect susceptibility to the disease.
C) Correct. Crowded and poorly ventilated settings increase the risk of TB transmission, as the bacteria can be easily spread in close quarters.
D) Incorrect. Underlying health conditions like HIV, diabetes, and immunosuppression can indeed increase the risk of TB due to compromised immune function.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. LTBI can progress to active TB disease if the immune system weakens or is compromised.
B) Incorrect. The risk of progression from LTBI to active TB is higher in individuals with weakened immune systems, not those with strong immune systems.
C) Correct. LTBI can remain dormant for years, and the risk of progression to active TB disease is higher when the immune system becomes compromised.
D) Incorrect. LTBI and active TB disease are distinct conditions, and LTBI does not always require immediate treatment. Treatment may be recommended for individuals at higher risk of progression to active disease.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. While multiple antibiotics may lead to symptom relief, the primary goal is to prevent drug resistance.
B) Correct. Combination therapy with multiple antibiotics is used to reduce the risk of drug-resistant TB, as it makes it more difficult for the bacteria to develop resistance to all drugs simultaneously.
C) Incorrect. Multiple antibiotics are used to target different aspects of TB treatment, not different types of TB bacteria.
D) Incorrect. While using multiple antibiotics can help manage side effects, the primary reason is to prevent drug resistance.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Avoiding close contact alone may not be sufficient, as TB is primarily transmitted through the inhalation of respiratory droplets.
B) Incorrect. While wearing a surgical mask may offer some protection, it is not foolproof, especially in high-burden areas.
C) Incorrect. The BCG vaccine provides some protection against severe forms of TB in children but is not considered highly effective for preventing TB in adults.
D) Correct. Following good respiratory hygiene and avoiding crowded, poorly ventilated areas are essential measures to reduce the risk of TB transmission in high-burden areas.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. LTBI can be treated on an outpatient basis and typically does not require hospitalization.
B) Incorrect. While multiple antibiotics may be used, the duration of LTBI treatment is usually several months.
C) Incorrect. Treatment for LTBI is recommended to prevent progression to active TB, especially in individuals at higher risk.
D) Correct. Completing the recommended treatment course for LTBI is essential to reduce the risk of developing active TB disease.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Joint pain and swelling are not typical symptoms of pulmonary TB.
B) Incorrect. Skin rash and itching are not common symptoms of pulmonary TB.
C) Correct. Persistent cough and sputum production are common symptoms of pulmonary TB, as the disease primarily affects the lungs.
D) Incorrect. Confusion and memory loss are not typical symptoms of pulmonary TB; they may occur in cases of disseminated or extrapulmonary TB.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. The symptoms described are more indicative of active TB disease rather than latent TB infection.
B) Correct. Night sweats, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss are classic symptoms of active TB disease.
C) Incorrect. TB exposure without infection typically does not present with these symptoms.
D) Incorrect. Atypical pneumonia may have different symptoms, and it is not the most likely diagnosis based on the symptoms provided.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. While coughing up blood can occur in TB, it should not be considered common and should always be evaluated.
B) Incorrect. Coughing up blood should prompt evaluation and treatment but does not necessarily require immediate hospitalization.
C) Incorrect. Coughing up blood is a concerning symptom that should not be dismissed as unrelated to TB.
D) Correct. Coughing up blood (hemoptysis) is a possible symptom of TB and should be reported to a healthcare provider for further assessment and management.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Cervical lymphadenopathy is not specific to active pulmonary TB and can occur in extrapulmonary TB as well.
B) Incorrect. Allergic reactions typically do not result in cervical lymphadenopathy.
C) Correct. Cervical lymphadenopathy is often associated with extrapulmonary TB, as TB can affect various parts of the body, including lymph nodes.
D) Incorrect. Cervical lymphadenopathy is not necessarily indicative of a secondary bacterial infection.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. GERD may cause chest discomfort, but it is not typically described as pleuritic chest pain.
B) Incorrect. Muscular strain or injury is a possibility, but pleuritic chest pain suggests inflammation of the pleura.
C) Correct. Pleuritic chest pain is a symptom of pleurisy or pleural inflammation, which can occur in TB.
D) Incorrect. While anxiety or panic attacks can cause chest discomfort, pleuritic chest pain is more likely related to a physical condition, such as pleural inflammation.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Chest X-rays are often used to assess lung involvement in TB but are not a primary screening test for TB infection.
B) Incorrect. Sputum culture is used to confirm the presence of TB bacteria in individuals with suspected active TB disease.
C) Correct. The Mantoux TST is a common screening test for TB infection. A small amount of PPD is injected under the skin, and the reaction is assessed after 48-72 hours.
D) Incorrect. CT scans may be used in TB diagnosis but are not typically used for initial screening of TB infection.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. A complete blood count (CBC) may reveal abnormalities associated with TB, but it does not directly confirm the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sputum samples.
B) Correct. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a molecular test that can detect the genetic material of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sputum samples, providing a confirmatory diagnosis.
C) Incorrect. The tuberculin skin test (TST) is a screening test for TB infection, not a test for confirming active disease in sputum samples.
D) Incorrect. Gram stain is a laboratory technique used to visualize the characteristics of bacterial cells but is not specific for Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Chest X-rays do not confirm the presence of TB bacteria but can indicate lung abnormalities associated with TB disease.
B) Correct. Chest X-rays are valuable in assessing the extent of lung involvement, the presence of cavities, and other abnormalities related to TB. This information helps guide treatment decisions.
C) Incorrect. Chest X-rays are not primarily used to detect TB infection in the blood; they focus on lung and chest abnormalities.
D) Incorrect. Chest X-rays are routinely used in the diagnosis and management of TB, especially for assessing lung involvement.
Explanation
A) Correct. Sputum samples are often most concentrated with TB bacteria when collected in the morning, as they have had time to accumulate overnight.
B) Incorrect. Rinsing the mouth before collecting sputum may dilute the sample and reduce its accuracy.
C) Incorrect. Deep coughing is encouraged to obtain samples from the lower respiratory tract, where TB bacteria are more likely to be present.
D) Incorrect. Sputum samples should be collected in specific containers designed for this purpose to maintain sample integrity and avoid contamination.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. A CT scan does not directly confirm the presence of TB bacteria but provides detailed images of the chest.
B) Incorrect. A CT scan is not used as a primary screening tool for TB infection in the bloodstream.
C) Correct. Chest CT scans are valuable for assessing the extent of lung involvement, detecting complications such as cavities or pleural effusions, and guiding treatment decisions in TB cases.
D) Incorrect. CT scans are commonly used in the evaluation and management of TB, especially for assessing lung abnormalities.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. It is not recommended to skip doses, but if the client experiences side effects, they should inform their healthcare provider rather than discontinuing treatment without guidance.
B) Incorrect. TB treatment must be completed in its entirety, even if the client starts to feel better. Stopping treatment prematurely can lead to drug resistance and a relapse of the disease.
C) Correct. Taking medications consistently and for the full duration of treatment is crucial to cure TB and prevent drug resistance.
D) Incorrect. Medications for TB should not be shared with family members or others, as they need individualized treatment and evaluation.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. While multiple medications may lead to symptom relief, the primary goal is to prevent drug resistance.
B) Incorrect. The duration of TB treatment is determined by the specific regimen and is not solely related to the number of medications.
C) Incorrect. Multiple medications in TB treatment may target different aspects of TB bacteria, but the primary purpose is to reduce the risk of drug resistance.
D) Correct. Using multiple medications in combination therapy makes it more difficult for TB bacteria to develop resistance to all drugs simultaneously, helping to prevent drug-resistant TB.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Prompt reporting of side effects is important, even if they are not severe, as they may indicate the need for treatment adjustments.
B) Correct. Reporting side effects promptly allows the healthcare provider to assess and address any issues, potentially preventing treatment interruptions or complications.
C) Incorrect. While some side effects are expected, not all are normal, and reporting is necessary to ensure safe and effective treatment.
D) Incorrect. Waiting until the next appointment may lead to prolonged side effects and potential treatment complications.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Completing treatment does not guarantee that the client will not develop TB again in the future, but it reduces the risk of a relapse.
B) Incorrect. Stopping treatment early does not reduce the risk of side effects; it increases the risk of drug resistance and a relapse.
C) Correct. Completing the full course of treatment is essential to prevent the development of drug-resistant TB and ensure effective treatment.
D) Incorrect. TB treatment should be completed as prescribed, regardless of the absence of symptoms, to prevent drug resistance and relapse.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. While it is essential to minimize close contact, isolation from family members is not typically necessary. Effective treatment and infection control measures can reduce the risk of transmission.
B) Incorrect. Wearing a mask at all times at home may not be necessary, but it is important to follow respiratory hygiene practices, especially when close to others.
C) Correct. Good hand hygiene and proper respiratory etiquette, such as covering the mouth when coughing, can help reduce the risk of TB transmission within the household.
D) Incorrect. TB can be transmitted in close household settings, so infection control measures are important to prevent transmission to family members.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Skipping doses, even when feeling better, can lead to drug resistance and treatment failure.
B) Correct. Taking all medications as prescribed is essential to prevent the development of drug-resistant TB.
C) Incorrect. TB treatment should be completed in its entirety, even if symptoms improve before the regimen is finished.
D) Incorrect. TB medications should be taken as prescribed, not solely based on symptom severity.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Isolating from family members and avoiding close contact is not typically necessary for clients with active TB who are on appropriate treatment.
B) Incorrect. While medication adherence is crucial, isolation is not a requirement for clients with active TB on treatment.
C) Correct. Clients with active TB who are on appropriate treatment and have had a reduction in infectiousness can generally return to their normal activities and interactions without isolation.
D) Incorrect. Isolation is not typically needed during TB treatment, as clients can resume their normal activities once their infectiousness has decreased.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Covering the mouth when coughing is important, as it helps prevent the spread of respiratory droplets to others.
B) Correct. Coughing and sneezing into a tissue or the elbow helps contain respiratory droplets and reduces the risk of transmission.
C) Incorrect. Wearing a mask when coughing can be beneficial to prevent the spread of respiratory droplets, especially in crowded settings.
D) Incorrect. Ventilating living spaces by keeping windows and doors open, not closed, helps reduce the concentration of infectious particles in the air.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. One month is not typically sufficient for TB treatment; it usually lasts much longer.
B) Correct. The standard treatment duration for TB is at least six months to ensure complete eradication of the bacteria.
C) Incorrect. Two weeks is not an adequate duration for TB treatment; it is a prolonged treatment course.
D) Incorrect. While treatment duration can vary based on individual factors, the minimum duration is typically six months for active TB.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Follow-up appointments are essential for monitoring progress and should not be limited to addressing side effects only.
B) Correct. Regular follow-up appointments are crucial for monitoring the client's response to treatment, ensuring medication adherence, and assessing for any complications.
C) Incorrect. Follow-up appointments should not be skipped, as they are important for assessing treatment effectiveness and making any necessary adjustments.
D) Incorrect. Follow-up appointments are typically not optional; they are a standard part of TB care to ensure successful treatment and minimize the risk of relapse.
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