North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

What is a common symptom of Tuberculosis (TB)?

1. Joint pain

2. Nosebleeds

3. Nausea and vomiting

4. Nights sweats and cough

The correct answer is: Nights sweats and cough

Nights sweats and cough are hallmark symptoms of Tuberculosis (TB). TB primarily affects the lungs, leading to persistent coughing that may produce sputum, sometimes with blood. The symptom of night sweats is particularly telling; it reflects the body's response to the infection and is often noted by individuals when they wake up with excessively wet sheets, a result of fever and the body’s immune response. While joint pain, nosebleeds, and nausea can occur in various medical conditions, they are not central to the diagnosis of TB. Joint pain might indicate other infections or conditions, nosebleeds could be due to a variety of reasons unrelated to TB, and nausea and vomiting may be seen in many other illnesses but do not typically highlight TB infection. The combination of nights sweats and persistent cough strongly correlates with pulmonary TB and is critical for healthcare workers to recognize for proper diagnosis and prompt treatment.