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The nurse determines that a tuberculin skin test is positive. Which diagnostic test should the nurse anticipate will be prescribed to confirm a diagnosis tuberculosis (TB)?

  • A. Chest x-ray
  • B. Sputum culture
  • C. Complete blood cell count
  • D. Computed tomography scan of the chest
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Although the findings of the chest x-ray examination are important, it is not possible to make a diagnosis of TB solely on the basis of this examination because other diseases can mimic the appearance of TB. The demonstration of tubercle bacilli bacteriologically is essential for establishing a diagnosis. The microscopic examination of sputum for acid-fast bacilli is usually the first bacteriological evidence of the presence of tubercle bacilli. Options 3 and 4 will not diagnose TB.