A nurse in a provider’s office is assessing a client. The nurse should identify that which of the following findings are manifestations of pulmonary tuberculosis? (Select all that apply)
A Weight gain
B Night sweats
C Low-grade fever
D Blood in the sputum
E Flushed cheeks
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answers are B (Night sweats), C (Low-grade fever), and D (Blood in the sputum).
Explanation:
Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection primarily affecting the lungs, but it can also spread to other parts of the body. The clinical manifestations of TB can vary among individuals, but several key symptoms are commonly associated with the disease.
B. Night sweats: One of the classic symptoms of TB is night sweats. This occurs as the body’s immune response tries to fight off the infection, leading to increased perspiration, especially during sleep. Patients often report waking up drenched in sweat.
C. Low-grade fever: A low-grade fever is another common manifestation of TB. This symptom arises due to the body’s inflammatory response to the infection. The fever may fluctuate but is generally low-grade (often between 99°F and 101°F). It can be persistent or intermittent, which is typical in chronic infections like TB.
D. Blood in the sputum: Hemoptysis, or blood in the sputum, is a significant indicator of pulmonary TB. It occurs when the infection damages the lung tissue, leading to the erosion of blood vessels. Patients may notice blood streaks in their sputum or, in more severe cases, coughing up large amounts of blood.
A. Weight gain: This option is incorrect because TB is often associated with weight loss rather than weight gain. Patients with active TB may experience anorexia, malnutrition, and significant weight loss due to the increased metabolic demands of the infection.
E. Flushed cheeks: While flushed cheeks can occur in various conditions, they are not specific to pulmonary tuberculosis and are not a recognized manifestation of the disease. Instead, patients may exhibit pallor or other skin changes due to systemic illness.
In summary, the key manifestations of pulmonary tuberculosis include night sweats, low-grade fever, and blood in the sputum. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis and prompt treatment, which can significantly improve outcomes and reduce transmission risk.