A patient who is currently being treated for rheumatoid arthritis exhibits symptoms suspicious of tuberculosis (TB).The nurse anticipates that
A)the symptoms are a result of the patient's rheumatoid arthritis.
B)the symptoms are actually side effects of corticosteroid therapy.
C)a chest radiograph will definitively confirm a diagnosis of TB.
D)a purified protein derivative (PPD)skin test will likely be negative.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis who are on immunosuppressive therapy, such as corticosteroids, may have a suppressed immune response, leading to a false-negative PPD skin test.

A Patient Who Is Currently Being Treated for Rheumatoid Arthritis