Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

Chest x-rays are valuable diagnostic tools that reveal structural and functional changes in the lungs. Tuberculosis (TB) can cause significant alterations in lung tissue, often leading to the formation of cavities and infiltration that can be detected on an x-ray. These changes arise from the body's response to the infection, as the immune system attempts to isolate and combat the bacteria causing TB.

On a chest x-ray, signs of TB may include irregularities such as areas of increased opacity due to consolidation or cavitary lesions indicating severe disease. The presence of these visual indicators is pivotal for diagnosing TB and assessing its impact on lung function.

While pneumonia, emphysema, and bronchitis also cause distinctive changes that can be viewed on chest x-rays, the specific manifestations associated with TB are uniquely indicative of this particular infectious condition, making it a key focus for identifying lung abnormalities in the context of infectious diseases.