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Pulmonary tuberculosis — RCPSC IM MCQ

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ModerateInfectious DiseasesPulmonary tuberculosisRCPSC IM

A 38-year-old man newly arrived from the Philippines has cough, weight loss, night sweats, and apical cavitation on chest radiograph. Sputum acid-fast bacilli smear is positive. He is clinically stable. HIV testing is pending and liver enzymes are normal. What is the most appropriate management?

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Correct answer: E — Start standard RIPE therapy and airborne isolation

Smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis with cavitation requires airborne isolation, public health notification, and empiric multidrug therapy while cultures and susceptibility testing are pending.

Reference: Canadian Tuberculosis Standards, 8th edition