The statement 'Tuberculosis in adults will normally spread to the lungs, lymph nodes, joints and meninges' is true or false?

The statement 'Tuberculosis in adults will normally spread to the lungs, lymph nodes, joints and meninges' is true or false?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not sure
• D. Cannot determine

Answer: (B)

In adults, tuberculosis is most often centered in the lungs. While the infection can spread beyond the lungs, extrapulmonary involvement is not the normal pattern for a typical pulmonary TB case. Lymph node TB can occur, but involvement of joints and meninges is less common and usually indicates extrapulmonary or disseminated disease (as in miliary TB), not the standard course. Therefore, the statement overstates the usual spread and is not correct.

In adults, tuberculosis is most often centered in the lungs. While the infection can spread beyond the lungs, extrapulmonary involvement is not the normal pattern for a typical pulmonary TB case. Lymph node TB can occur, but involvement of joints and meninges is less common and usually indicates extrapulmonary or disseminated disease (as in miliary TB), not the standard course. Therefore, the statement overstates the usual spread and is not correct.