Transmission of tuberculosis is by

Appeared in: NCL (MP) Nursing Officer - 2020

Explanation

Tuberculosis (TB) is primarily transmitted through the airborne route when an infected person releases infectious particles.
These particles, called droplet nuclei, are 1–5 micrometers in size and are generated by coughing, sneezing, or speaking.
Because of their small size, droplet nuclei can remain suspended in the air for several hours and can be inhaled deep into the lungs (alveoli) of a susceptible person, establishing infection.

Option A: TB is a respiratory infection caused by an airborne bacterium, not a blood-borne pathogen. Transmission does not occur through blood transfusions or contact with infected blood.
Option B: This describes the fecal-oral route of transmission, which is associated with gastrointestinal infections. The primary pathogen for human TB, M. tuberculosis, does not spread this way.
Option D: This option is incorrect because a correct mode of transmission, 'Airborne', is provided in the options.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Mode of transmission for Tuberculosis (TB) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding that TB is airborne is critical for implementing correct infection control measures. Nurses must immediately place patients with suspected or active pulmonary TB on airborne precautions.
This includes placing the patient in a negative-pressure room (AIIR) and requiring all staff to wear a fit-tested N95 respirator to prevent nosocomial (hospital-acquired) transmission.
Patient education is a key nursing role, focusing on cough etiquette and the importance of wearing a surgical mask when outside their isolation room to contain the spread.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the core concept of the question, which is the mode of transmission for the disease Tuberculosis (TB).
Recall the different classifications of infectious disease transmission (e.g., airborne, droplet, contact, vector-borne, fecal-oral).
Access your specific knowledge about TB. Remember that it is a classic example of a respiratory disease spread through the air.
Systematically evaluate each option against your knowledge: 'Blood product' is incorrect as TB is not blood-borne. 'Infected food and water' is incorrect as that is the fecal-oral route. 'Airborne' directly matches the known transmission mechanism of M. tuberculosis.
Conclude by selecting the option that accurately describes the primary route of TB transmission.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Q4kV_DYLhVDQGqlMKvCxDb

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 1423-1425

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 1842-1844

E6 Microbiology Essentials Sastry 4e Part 2 p. 154-156

Practise the full NCL (MP) Nursing Officer - 2020

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