Final answer:
A chest X-ray is the most likely diagnostic test prescribed to confirm the diagnosis of active lung tuberculosis, followed by a sputum culture to identify the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Confirming the Diagnosis of Tuberculosis
The most likely diagnostic test that will be prescribed to confirm the diagnosis of active lung tuberculosis (TB) in a client is a chest X-ray. This imaging test helps to detect the presence of Tubercle bacilli by showing areas of consolidation or other changes in the lungs consistent with TB. The physician may also order a sputum culture, which can identify the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria responsible for TB. This is supported by the case where a client's chest radiograph revealed an extensive consolidation, prompting further tests including sputum cultures for a complete diagnosis. Although tests like PCR can be very sensitive to TB, the initial confirmation often relies on the chest X-ray and subsequent sputum analysis.
Blood cultures, electrocardiograms (ECGs), and urinalysis are less likely to be used as primary diagnostic tools for TB. Blood cultures are not typically used for diagnosing TB, ECGs are for assessing heart function and urinalysis can detect disorders associated with kidney or urinary tract but not specifically designed for TB diagnosis.
The diagnostic test that is most likely to be prescribed to confirm the diagnosis of active lung tuberculosis is a) Chest X-ray.
When diagnosing tuberculosis, a chest X-ray is commonly used to visualize any abnormalities in the lungs that may be indicative of tuberculosis, such as consolidation or opacities. It can help identify the presence of cavities, infiltrates, and lymphadenopathy.
Other diagnostic tests, such as sputum culture and microscopy, might also be ordered to confirm the diagnosis by detecting the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
the correct option is c) Electrocardiogram (ECG)