First Aid for Corrections Officers Practice Test

What is Tuberculosis (TB) primarily characterized by?

1. An airborne disease that affects the respiratory system

2. A bacterial infection affecting the liver

3. A viral infection that targets the skin

4. An inflammation of the digestive tract

The correct answer is: An airborne disease that affects the respiratory system

Tuberculosis (TB) is primarily characterized as an airborne disease that significantly affects the respiratory system. The infectious agent responsible for TB is the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is commonly transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, releasing tiny droplets that contain the bacteria. When these droplets are inhaled by others, they can become infected, making TB primarily a concern in respiratory health. The symptoms of TB often include a persistent cough, chest pain, and coughing up blood, alongside systemic symptoms like fever and weight loss. Its primary manifestation in the body is in the lungs, although it can affect other areas, known as extrapulmonary TB, but the respiratory system remains the most common site of infection. This fundamental understanding of TB's transmission and symptoms highlights its classification as an airborne disease affecting the respiratory system.