Saunders Respiratory Practice

What diagnostic test results should the nurse review to confirm a diagnosis of tuberculosis?

1. Sputum culture

2. Complete blood count

3. X-ray of the chest

4. Skin test result

The correct answer is: Sputum culture

To confirm a diagnosis of tuberculosis, reviewing the sputum culture test results is critical. This test specifically allows for the identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in respiratory secretions. A positive sputum culture indicates the presence of the bacteria, thus confirming tuberculosis. Although a complete blood count can provide information on overall health and can indicate some degree of infection, it does not specifically diagnose tuberculosis. Chest X-rays are valuable for visualizing lung abnormalities associated with TB but cannot definitively confirm the presence of the bacteria. The skin test, such as the Mantoux tuberculin skin test, can show if an individual has been exposed to tuberculosis bacteria, but it does not confirm active disease; a positive skin test can occur in those who have been vaccinated or have had past infections. Therefore, the sputum culture stands out as the crucial diagnostic test for confirming active tuberculosis.