South Carolina Long Term Health Care Administrator Practice Test

What should be performed when unprotected exposure to M. tuberculosis has been identified?

1. Chest radiograph

2. Contact investigation

3. Vaccination

4. Training session

The correct answer is: Contact investigation

When unprotected exposure to M. tuberculosis has been identified, conducting a contact investigation is essential. This process involves identifying individuals who may have been exposed to the infectious case and assessing their risk of developing tuberculosis (TB). Through careful investigation, health authorities can trace contacts who may need screening or preventive treatment, ensuring that further transmission is minimized. The contact investigation includes evaluating the nature of the exposure, the duration of contact, and the infectiousness of the individual who has TB, which helps in effectively responding to the potential outbreak. Addressing why other options may not fit as well in this scenario, a chest radiograph is typically used to evaluate individuals who have symptoms of TB or have already tested positive, rather than as an immediate response to unprotected exposure. Vaccination, while important in TB prevention, is not applicable once exposure has occurred, since the vaccine (BCG) is not routinely used in many countries with low TB prevalence, and its effectiveness varies. A training session, though beneficial for staff awareness and prevention strategies, does not directly address the management of individuals who may have been exposed and are at risk of contracting TB. Thus, conducting a thorough contact investigation is the most appropriate and effective immediate response to manage the risk associated with unprotected exposure to