Saunders Respiratory Practice

What symptom would a nurse look for as an early indicator of tuberculosis?

1. Weight gain

2. Chronic cough lasting more than three weeks

3. Severe fatigue

4. Throat pain

The correct answer is: Chronic cough lasting more than three weeks

A chronic cough lasting more than three weeks is a significant early indicator of tuberculosis (TB). This symptom arises as the infection primarily affects the lungs, leading to persistent inflammation and irritation of the respiratory tract. TB is known for causing a dry cough that can progress over time, often producing sputum as the disease advances. The cough can also become more pronounced, and it’s essential for healthcare professionals to recognize this symptom early, as it can indicate active pulmonary TB. Recognizing a chronic cough as a key symptom is crucial in the clinical setting, enabling prompt diagnostic testing and appropriate measures to prevent transmission. Other symptoms associated with TB, such as significant weight loss, hemoptysis (coughing up blood), and fever, often develop later or indicate a more advanced stage of the disease. Thus, when assessing for TB, a persistent cough is one of the earliest signs that healthcare providers are trained to identify.