Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

In response to a positive Mantoux test, what is the next step?

1. Obtain a sputum culture

2. Obtain a chest x-ray

3. Start tuberculosis treatment

4. Conduct a full blood count

The correct answer is: Obtain a chest x-ray

In response to a positive Mantoux test, the next step is to obtain a chest x-ray. A positive Mantoux test indicates exposure to the mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, but it does not confirm active tuberculosis (TB) disease. The chest x-ray is crucial for determining whether the patient has active pulmonary TB or is simply harboring a latent infection. A chest x-ray helps visualize the lungs for any signs of tuberculosis, such as lesions or other abnormalities that would suggest active disease. If the chest x-ray indicates the presence of active TB, further diagnostic steps, including sputum culture, would be warranted, along with appropriate treatment for tuberculosis. If the x-ray is clear, it may suggest that the individual has latent TB, which might not require immediate treatment but would necessitate monitoring and possibly preventive therapy. Other options are part of follow-up care or potential next steps under certain circumstances, but the immediate next step following a positive Mantoux test is to image the lungs with a chest x-ray to assess the need for treatment firmly.