Sputum examination is the major screening tool for pulmonary tuberculosis. Clients may sometimes receive false negative results in this exam. This means that the test is not perfect in terms of which characteristic of a diagnostic examination?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Step 1: Define false negative - An individual with the disease incorrectly identified as disease-free.
Step 2: Understand sensitivity - Ability to correctly identify individuals with the disease.
Step 3: False negatives indicate low sensitivity.
Step 4: Sensitivity is a key characteristic of a diagnostic test.
Step 5: Therefore, the correct answer is D: Sensitivity.
Summary:
A: Effectiveness - Overall ability of the test to achieve its intended purpose.
B: Efficacy - Ability of the test under ideal conditions.
C: Specificity - Ability to correctly identify individuals without the disease.
D: Sensitivity - Ability to correctly identify individuals with the disease.