Question

A nursing student has been given a tuberculin test prior to doing his clinical practicum at a nursing home. After about 36 hours, he notices a hard, red swelling at the test site. Which of the following is NOT a logical conclusion from this result?
a.) one of his family members had tuberculosis
b.) he has inactive (latent) tuberculosis
c.) he was given the BCG vaccine as a child
d.) he should not be allowed to work at the nursing home because he has an active case of tuberculosis

Answer 1

Answer: d.) he should not be allowed to work at the nursing home because he has an active case of tuberculosis

Explanation:

The tuberculin test is done to check whether the person had been affected by tuberculosis. This test is done by putting the small amount of TB protein over the skin, typically on the inner forearm. This test alone cannot conclude whether the person has been exposed to tuberculosis. Additional diagnostic tests are required to be performed to determine whether the person being an active case.