Which of the following best lists common symptoms of active tuberculosis?

• A. Headache, dizziness, abdominal pain
• B. Fever, fatigue, weight loss, productive cough, blood-streaked sputum, and night sweats
• C. Rash, itching, joint swelling
• D. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

Answer: (B)

The main idea being tested is recognizing the typical symptom pattern of active tuberculosis. In active pulmonary TB, constitutional symptoms like fever, night sweats, and weight loss commonly occur, alongside respiratory signs such as a productive cough that can last weeks and may be accompanied by blood-tinged sputum. Fatigue is also a common nonspecific symptom. This combination—fever, fatigue, weight loss, productive cough, blood-streaked sputum, and night sweats—best fits the profile of an active TB infection and helps distinguish it from other conditions that may cause only GI, dermatologic, or nonspecific symptoms.

Other symptom groups described don’t align with active TB. Headache, dizziness, and abdominal pain point away from a primary pulmonary infectious process; rash, itching, and joint swelling suggest dermatologic or rheumatologic issues; nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea align more with gastrointestinal conditions.