Which combination most accurately lists the signs and symptoms of TB?

Which combination most accurately lists the signs and symptoms of TB?

• A. Cough with sputum production
• B. Fatigue, anorexia, weight loss, low-grade fevers and night sweats
• C. Rash and joint pain
• D. Diarrhea and dehydration

Answer: (B)

TB often presents with a combination of respiratory signs and systemic, or constitutional, symptoms. The systemic signs—fatigue, loss of appetite (anorexia), unintended weight loss, low-grade fevers, and night sweats—are classic clues that active tuberculosis is affecting the body. This cluster reflects the chronic infection and the body's immune response and is why this set of symptoms best represents TB. While coughing with sputum production is also a common feature, not all patients have it, especially early on or in certain forms of TB. The other choices describe symptoms not typical of TB (rash with joint pain or diarrhea with dehydration), so they don’t capture the common TB presentation as well.

TB often presents with a combination of respiratory signs and systemic, or constitutional, symptoms. The systemic signs—fatigue, loss of appetite (anorexia), unintended weight loss, low-grade fevers, and night sweats—are classic clues that active tuberculosis is affecting the body. This cluster reflects the chronic infection and the body's immune response and is why this set of symptoms best represents TB. While coughing with sputum production is also a common feature, not all patients have it, especially early on or in certain forms of TB. The other choices describe symptoms not typical of TB (rash with joint pain or diarrhea with dehydration), so they don’t capture the common TB presentation as well.