40. Which signs and symptoms are often seen in a person with active tuberculosis?
. Fatigue, night sweats, low-grade fever.
. Weight gain, cough, purulent sputum.
. High fever; dry, hacking cough.
. Malaise, epistaxis, headache.
Test-Taking Tip
The key word is often—three of the choices have incorrect signs and symptoms (purulent sputum, high fever, nosebleed).
Content Area: Adult Health, Infectious Disease; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Assessment; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Physiological Adaptation/Pathophysiology
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Answer 1 is correct because the presenting symptoms are vague and "flu-like." Initially, they are nagging and less acute. Answer 2 is incorrect because weight gain and purulent sputum are not characteristic of active tuberculosis (although cough would be a presenting symptom). Answer 3 is incorrect because the high fever would likely be associated with a more acute condition (although cough would be a tempting choice). Answer 4 is incorrect because the headache and nosebleed cannot be linked to the disease pathology.