AFB test is related to which of the following diseases?

Appeared in: DSSSB October 2024

Explanation

The AFB (Acid-Fast Bacilli) test is the primary method used to identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes Tuberculosis (TB).
The term 'acid-fast' describes the unique property of these bacteria's cell walls to resist decolorization by acid during the staining process (like the Ziehl-Neelsen stain).
A positive AFB smear from a sputum sample is a strong indicator of active, infectious pulmonary TB.

Option B: COPD is a chronic inflammatory lung disease diagnosed primarily with pulmonary function tests (spirometry), not a microbiological test for bacteria.
Option C: Lung cancer is diagnosed through imaging studies (like CT scans) and confirmed with a tissue biopsy to identify malignant cells.
Option D: Atelectasis, the collapse of a lung or part of a lung, is a structural issue identified on imaging such as a chest X-ray or CT scan.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Diagnostic test for Tuberculosis (AFB test) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a critical role in educating patients on how to provide a proper sputum sample (deep cough, not saliva) to ensure test accuracy.
A positive AFB test result mandates immediate implementation of airborne precautions (N95 mask, negative pressure room) to prevent nosocomial transmission.
What if? If a patient cannot produce sputum, the nurse should anticipate an order for sputum induction with nebulized hypertonic saline or a bronchoscopy to obtain a sample.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'AFB test'.
Recall or deduce the meaning of the acronym. AFB stands for Acid-Fast Bacilli.
Connect this specific microbiological term to the diseases listed in the options.
Recognize that 'Acid-Fast Bacilli' is almost synonymous with Mycobacterium tuberculosis in clinical practice, making Tuberculosis the direct answer.
Eliminate the other options by considering their primary diagnostic methods (spirometry for COPD, biopsy for cancer, X-ray for atelectasis), which are not based on bacterial staining.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QUThyP-h9D3kWMLiZN7LT

E6 PATHOLOGY QUICK REVIEWBased on Harsh Mohan Textbook of PATHOLOGY p. 175-177

E6 Pathology-Vandana Puri & Kavita Gaur Textbook of Pathology and Genetics p. 159-161

Practise the full DSSSB October 2024

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.