A nurse is caring for a client with suspected tuberculosis (TB) who complains of night sweats, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. What should the nurse suspect based on these symptoms?

A) Correct. LTBI is not contagious, as the bacteria are dormant and not actively causing illness. Active TB disease, on the other hand, is contagious and can be transmitted to others through respiratory droplets.

B) Incorrect. LTBI is not contagious, whereas active TB disease is contagious.

C) Incorrect. LTBI and active TB disease have different symptoms and treatment approaches. LTBI has no symptoms, while active TB disease presents with symptoms and requires treatment to prevent progression.

D) Incorrect. LTBI does not always progress to active TB disease. In fact, many individuals with LTBI do not develop active disease, but they are at risk, especially if their immune system becomes compromised.

A) Incorrect. LTBI can progress to active TB disease if the immune system weakens or is compromised.

B) Incorrect. The risk of progression from LTBI to active TB is higher in individuals with weakened immune systems, not those with strong immune systems.

C) Correct. LTBI can remain dormant for years, and the risk of progression to active TB disease is higher when the immune system becomes compromised.

D) Incorrect. LTBI and active TB disease are distinct conditions, and LTBI does not always require immediate treatment. Treatment may be recommended for individuals at higher risk of progression to active disease.