What does the baseline screening for tuberculosis consist of?

The baseline screening for tuberculosis primarily involves assessing risks, determining signs, and obtaining documentation. This process is crucial in identifying individuals who may be at higher risk for tuberculosis exposure or infection, and it facilitates early detection and intervention to prevent the spread of the disease within nursing care institutions.

Risk assessment includes evaluating factors such as previous exposure to TB, underlying health conditions that may predispose someone to TB infection, and relevant travel history. By determining signs of TB, which may include active symptoms in individuals, healthcare providers can take timely actions, such as further testing or initiating treatment. Obtaining documentation, including previous TB test results, vaccination history, and medical records, enables a comprehensive approach to managing TB risks within the facility.

In contrast, vaccination against TB is not part of the initial baseline screening but rather a preventive measure for groups at risk. Reviewing medical history alone may lack the thoroughness needed to assess risk and signs adequately. Random testing of residents does not ensure a focused assessment based on individual exposure risks or symptoms, making it less effective than the targeted approach used in the correct choice. Thus, option B encompasses the comprehensive elements that form an effective baseline screening for tuberculosis.