CDH Paramedic Entrance Practice Exam

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infection primarily affecting the lungs but can also impact other parts of the body. The symptoms commonly associated with tuberculosis include weight loss and night sweats, which reflect the body’s immune response to the infection.

Weight loss in tuberculosis occurs due to various factors, including a loss of appetite, increased energy expenditure from fighting the infection, and malabsorption issues. Night sweats are a hallmark symptom as the body tries to regulate its temperature while combating the infection, leading to episodes of excessive sweating during sleep.

The other symptoms listed, such as headaches, muscle pain, high blood pressure, fever, and severe abdominal cramps, do not specifically indicate tuberculosis. While fever can occur with TB, it is not as distinctive as night sweats. Headaches, muscle pain, and abdominal cramps are more general symptoms associated with a variety of conditions and do not point specifically to TB.