Tuberculosis and Airborne Infections Practice Questions
20 free Tuberculosis and Airborne Infections practice questions for the NCLEX Exam. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.
Which organism is responsible for causing tuberculosis?
- A Streptococcus pneumoniae
- B Escherichia coli
- C Staphylococcus aureus
- D Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Correct answer: Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the bacterium that causes tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can spread to other organs.
What is the primary mode of transmission for tuberculosis?
- A Direct physical contact with open skin lesions
- B Ingestion of contaminated food or water
- C Vector-borne transmission through insect bites
- D Airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing
Correct answer: Airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing
Tuberculosis spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Inhalation of these droplets leads to infection.
Which type of isolation is required for patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis?
- A Contact isolation
- B Droplet isolation
- C Airborne isolation
- D Standard precautions only
Correct answer: Airborne isolation
Airborne isolation is required because TB is transmitted through tiny airborne particles. Patients should be placed in negative-pressure rooms.
Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for healthcare workers caring for TB patients?
- A Surgical mask
- B Face shield only
- C Gloves only
- D N95 respirator
Correct answer: N95 respirator
An N95 respirator is required to filter airborne particles effectively. Surgical masks do not provide adequate protection against TB.
What is a common early symptom of pulmonary tuberculosis?
- A Severe and persistent abdominal pain with cramping
- B Sudden and complete vision loss
- C Painful joint swelling and stiffness
- D Persistent cough lasting more than 3 weeks
Correct answer: Persistent cough lasting more than 3 weeks
A persistent cough lasting more than three weeks is a hallmark symptom of TB. It may later be accompanied by blood-tinged sputum.
Which diagnostic test is commonly used to screen for tuberculosis infection?
- A Complete blood count test
- B Standard electrocardiogram test
- C Standard liver function test
- D Mantoux tuberculin skin test
Correct answer: Mantoux tuberculin skin test
The Mantoux tuberculin skin test helps detect exposure to TB bacteria. A positive result indicates prior infection or exposure.
What does a positive tuberculin skin test indicate?
- A Active TB disease only
- B Complete immunity to TB bacteria
- C Exposure to TB bacteria
- D Absence of infection
Correct answer: Exposure to TB bacteria
A positive test indicates exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It does not differentiate between latent and active disease.
Which medication is commonly included in first-line treatment for tuberculosis?
- A Cefixime
- B Amoxicillin
- C Isoniazid
- D Ciprofloxacin
Correct answer: Isoniazid
Isoniazid is a key first-line anti-tubercular drug. It is used in combination therapy to prevent resistance.
Why is combination drug therapy used in tuberculosis treatment?
- A To help reduce overall treatment cost
- B To shorten hospital stay
- C To prevent drug resistance
- D To eliminate side effects
Correct answer: To prevent drug resistance
Combination therapy prevents the development of drug-resistant TB strains. It ensures effective eradication of bacteria.
Which airborne infection control measure is most effective in healthcare settings?
- A Negative-pressure rooms
- B Hand hygiene only
- C Consistent use of gloves
- D Isolation gowns only
Correct answer: Negative-pressure rooms
Negative-pressure rooms prevent contaminated air from spreading to other areas. They are essential for airborne infection control.
What is latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI)?
- A Infection without symptoms and non-contagious
- B Active disease with obvious symptoms present
- C Severe and permanent lung tissue damage
- D Drug-resistant TB requiring special treatment
Correct answer: Infection without symptoms and non-contagious
Latent TB means the bacteria are present but inactive. Individuals are asymptomatic and not contagious.
Which symptom suggests progression from latent TB to active TB?
- A Night sweats and weight loss
- B No symptoms at all present
- C Improved appetite and general energy
- D A completely normal chest X-ray result
Correct answer: Night sweats and weight loss
Night sweats and weight loss are classic signs of active TB. These indicate disease progression and require treatment.
What is the purpose of the BCG vaccine?
- A Prevent severe forms of TB
- B Treat existing TB infection
- C Diagnose active TB infection
- D Completely cure latent TB
Correct answer: Prevent severe forms of TB
The BCG vaccine provides protection against severe TB forms, especially in children. It does not completely prevent infection.
Which population is at higher risk for developing active tuberculosis?
- A Immunocompromised individuals
- B Generally healthy young adults
- C Athletes
- D People with normal immunity
Correct answer: Immunocompromised individuals
Immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV, are at higher risk. Their weakened immune systems cannot contain the infection.
What is the role of sputum culture in tuberculosis diagnosis?
- A Confirm presence of TB bacteria
- B Measure oxygen saturation levels
- C Assess overall kidney function
- D Detect the presence of viral infections
Correct answer: Confirm presence of TB bacteria
Sputum culture confirms the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is the gold standard for diagnosis.
Which precaution should a TB patient follow at home?
- A Avoid frequent handwashing
- B Cover mouth when coughing
- C Share utensils and cups
- D Avoid using ventilation
Correct answer: Cover mouth when coughing
Covering the mouth when coughing reduces spread of infectious droplets. Proper hygiene is essential to prevent transmission.
Which airborne infection spreads similarly to tuberculosis?
- A Malaria
- B Measles
- C Hepatitis B
- D Tetanus
Correct answer: Measles
Measles is also transmitted via airborne particles. It spreads easily through respiratory droplets in the air.
What is a key nursing intervention for a patient on TB medication?
- A Encourage skipping doses
- B Monitor liver function
- C Limit fluid intake
- D Avoid follow-up visits
Correct answer: Monitor liver function
Many TB medications can affect the liver. Monitoring liver function helps detect adverse effects early.
Why is adherence to TB treatment important?
- A To reduce the treatment cost
- B To prevent relapse and resistance
- C To shorten the medication duration
- D To avoid strict patient isolation
Correct answer: To prevent relapse and resistance
Incomplete treatment can lead to relapse and drug-resistant TB. Adherence ensures successful treatment outcomes.
Which environmental factor helps reduce airborne infection transmission?
- A Poor ventilation
- B Crowded living spaces
- C Good air circulation
- D Windows kept closed
Correct answer: Good air circulation
Good air circulation dilutes and removes infectious particles from the air. It significantly reduces transmission risk.