A client with suspected tuberculosis (TB) is scheduled to undergo a sputum culture to confirm the diagnosis. Which statement accurately describes the purpose of a sputum culture in TB diagnosis?

A sputum culture is performed to assess the client's immune response to TB infection.

A sputum culture is used to monitor the effectiveness of TB treatment and evaluate disease progression.

A sputum culture is used to detect the presence of TB bacteria in the lungs.

A sputum culture is performed to assess lung function and determine the severity of TB infection.