A nurse is caring for a client with suspected tuberculosis (TB) who has provided sputum samples for testing. Which laboratory test is used to confirm the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sputum samples?
Complete blood count (CBC)
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
Tuberculin skin test (TST)
Gram stain
The Correct Answer is B
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.
Nursing Test Bank
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
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.
Correct Answer is C
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.
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