Which of the following is not a symptom of TB?

Appeared in: NHM MP Staff Nurse-2019

Explanation

Rashes over the body are not a characteristic symptom of pulmonary tuberculosis, the most common form of the disease.
While rare forms of cutaneous (skin) TB exist, they present with specific lesions like nodules or ulcers, not typically a generalized rash.
Hypersensitivity reactions like erythema nodosum can cause skin manifestations but are distinct from the primary symptoms of TB infection.
The absence of rashes from the classic list of TB symptoms makes it the correct answer in a 'which is not' question format.

Option A: Weight loss is a classic constitutional symptom of chronic infections like tuberculosis, often referred to as 'consumption' in the past due to the significant wasting it causes.
Option B: A persistent cough lasting more than two weeks is one of the most important screening symptoms for pulmonary TB.
Option C: Blood-stained sputum, or hemoptysis, is a common symptom in patients with cavitary pulmonary TB, resulting from the erosion of blood vessels in the lungs.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Identification of the signs and symptoms of Tuberculosis (TB) helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Recognizing the cardinal symptoms of TB (cough >2 weeks, fever, weight loss, night sweats) is critical for early case detection, which is key to reducing transmission.
Nurses play a vital role in screening patients with suspicious symptoms, initiating airborne precautions for suspected cases, and collecting sputum samples for diagnosis.
Patient education on cough etiquette and adherence to the long course of treatment is a crucial nursing responsibility to ensure a cure and prevent the development of drug-resistant TB.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question. It asks to find the option that is NOT a symptom of TB. This is a negative question.
Review each option and recall the classic symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis.
Evaluate Option A (Weight loss): This is a well-known constitutional symptom of TB.
Evaluate Option B (Cough > 2 weeks): This is a primary screening symptom for pulmonary TB.
Evaluate Option C (Blood stained sputum): This is a known symptom of advanced or cavitary TB.
Evaluate Option D (Rashes over the body): Consider if this is a common presentation. While skin can be affected, a general rash is not typical.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Identification of the signs and symptoms of Tuberculosis (TB).
Stem keywords: symptom, TB, Tuberculosis
Lead-in keywords: not
Negative lead-in flag: Question asks to identify the option that is NOT a symptom of TB.

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E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 1428-1430

E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) p. 257-259

E6 Medicine Davidson Principles Practice 24e p. 610-612

Practise the full NHM MP Staff Nurse-2019

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