Question

A 9-year-old Inuit boy living in a remote community presents with a 3-week history of cough, low-grade fever, and weight loss. His uncle was recently diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis. According to Canadian TB standards for children in high-incidence Indigenous communities, what is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Order a tuberculin skin test and chest radiograph and notify public health for contact investigation

Answer

Reassure and review in 1 month if symptoms persist

Answer

Treat empirically for community-acquired pneumonia without further testing

Answer

Screen only with interferon-gamma release assay and ignore radiography

Answer

Defer investigation until a second household case is identified

Practice question