Virgie with a positive Mantoux test result will be sent for a chest X-ray. The nurse is aware that which of the following reasons this is done?
A. To confirm the diagnosis
B. To determine if a repeat skin test is needed
C. To determine the extent of lesions
D. To determine if this is a primary or secondary infection
Correct Answer: C. To determine the extent of lesions
If the lesions are large enough, the chest X-ray will show their presence in the lungs.
Option A: Sputum culture confirms the diagnosis. It is a test to detect and identify bacteria or fungi that infect the lungs or breathing passages.
Option B: There can be false-positive and false-negative skin test results. False-positive results happen with the skin test because the person has been infected with a different type of bacteria, rather than the one that causes TB. It can also happen because the person has been vaccinated with the BCG vaccine. A false-negative result may happen if the immune function is compromised by chronic medical conditions, cancer chemotherapy, or AIDS.
Option D: A chest X-ray can’t determine if this is a primary or secondary infection. In active pulmonary TB, infiltrates or consolidations and/or cavities are often seen in the upper lungs with or without mediastinal or hilar lymphadenopathy.