Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

What are common symptoms of tuberculosis (TB)?

1. Joint pain and swelling

2. Weakness, weight loss, night sweats, fever, and cough

3. Severe abdominal pain and vomiting

4. Difficulty breathing during exercise

The correct answer is: Weakness, weight loss, night sweats, fever, and cough

The common symptoms of tuberculosis (TB) are indeed characterized by weakness, weight loss, night sweats, fever, and a persistent cough. TB primarily affects the lungs, leading to respiratory symptoms such as a chronic cough, which may produce sputum that is occasionally blood-stained. The systemic effects of the infection contribute to weakness and unintentional weight loss, while night sweats and fever are manifestations of the body’s immune response to the infection. Other options reflect symptoms that are typically associated with different medical conditions. For instance, joint pain and swelling are more indicative of musculoskeletal disorders or autoimmune diseases. Severe abdominal pain and vomiting may suggest gastrointestinal issues rather than respiratory infections. Difficulty breathing during exercise can be related to a variety of pulmonary or cardiovascular conditions but is not specific to TB. Thus, the symptoms listed in the correct choice directly align with the clinical presentation of a TB infection, distinguishing it from the other provided options.