A patient with a severe viral infection exhibits reduced levels of circulating lymphocytes. Which of the following mechanisms is most likely responsible for this observation?
- A. Apoptosis of infected lymphocytes
- B. Clonal expansion of memory T cells
- C. T cell anergy
- D. Upregulation of adhesion molecules on lymphocytes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A patient with a severe viral infection exhibiting reduced levels of circulating lymphocytes is likely due to the apoptosis of infected lymphocytes. When a virus enters the body, it can infect and replicate within lymphocytes, subsequently triggering the immune system to induce apoptosis in infected cells to prevent further spread of the virus. This process is part of the body's defense mechanism to control the viral infection. As a result, the circulating lymphocyte levels may decrease as infected lymphocytes are targeted for apoptosis. This phenomenon helps to limit viral replication and spread within the body, thereby aiding in the immune response to eliminate the virus.
You may also like to solve these questions
A woman in active labor experiences frequent and intense uterine contractions with minimal rest intervals, leading to maternal fatigue and decreased fetal oxygenation. What maternal condition should the nurse assess for that may contribute to this abnormal labor pattern?
- A. Maternal dehydration
- B. Uterine hyperstimulation
- C. Pelvic outlet obstruction
- D. Maternal exhaustion
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Uterine hyperstimulation is a condition in which the uterus contracts too frequently or too intensely, leading to decreased blood flow and oxygenation to the placenta. This can result in maternal fatigue and decreased fetal oxygenation due to the lack of sufficient rest intervals between contractions. Uterine hyperstimulation can be caused by factors such as the use of synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin) to induce or augment labor, uterine abnormalities, or maternal conditions like pre-eclampsia. It is important for the nurse to assess for uterine hyperstimulation in a woman experiencing frequent and intense contractions to intervene promptly and prevent adverse outcomes for both the mother and the baby.
During a support group meeting, Nurse Donato, in a teasing manner, has made several provocative remarks about your appearance and behavior as a group leader. Select your MOST appropriate response.
- A. "Donato, see me after this meeting"
- B. "Donato, you are excused from the group"
- C. "What do you think Donato is trying to tell us?"
- D. "Donato, what are you saying is inappropriate"
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Choosing option D, "Donato, what you are saying is inappropriate," is the most appropriate response in this situation. It directly addresses Nurse Donato's behavior without escalating the situation or being overly confrontational. By calmly pointing out that the remarks are inappropriate, you are setting a boundary and letting Nurse Donato know that such behavior is not acceptable in a professional setting. This response also signals to the rest of the group that you are aware of the inappropriate comments and are taking action to address them. It is important to address such behavior professionally and assertively to maintain a respectful and supportive environment during the support group meeting.
Evelyn was given iron as supplemental vitamin to prevent maternal anemia. She asks if
- A. Which of the following would be the best response of the nurse?
- B. "Take two other vitamins separately."
- C. Absorption of iron is enhanced with Vit C.
- D. "Drink milk when taking the iron supplement."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct response would be "Absorption of iron is enhanced with Vitamin C." Iron absorption is increased in the presence of Vitamin C. Therefore, recommending Evelyn to take her iron supplement with a source of Vitamin C such as orange juice or a Vitamin C tablet would optimize the absorption of iron in her body and help prevent maternal anemia more effectively. Taking iron with other vitamins separately, after a full meal, or with milk would not have the same beneficial effect on iron absorption as combining it with Vitamin C.
While Mrs. Mely is on TPN she suddenly complained of slight chest pain, dyspnea and appears cyanotic. You suspect that she is experiencing what possible IMMEDIATE complication?
- A. Sepsis due to IV 1ine
- B. Hyperglycemia.
- C. Air embolism
- D. Allergic reaction to TPN
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The symptoms described in the scenario - chest pain, dyspnea, and cyanosis - are indicative of a potential air embolism. Air embolism occurs when air enters the bloodstream, leading to blockages in blood vessels and impeding oxygen delivery to tissues. In patients receiving Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) through intravenous lines, the risk of air embolism exists during line manipulations, disconnections, or improper priming of the tubing. The sudden onset of symptoms like chest pain and cyanosis in a patient on TPN should raise suspicion for an air embolism, as it requires immediate intervention to prevent further complications such as cardiac arrest or stroke.
A patient is complaining of urinary pain after being diagnosed with a urinary tract infection the previous day. What is the nurse's best action?
- A. Administer ordered phenazopyridine hydrochloride (Pyridium).
- B. Administer ordered trimethoprim (Trimpex).
- C. Administer ordered bethanechol (Urecholine).
- D. Administer ordered acetaminophen (Tylenol) and a warm bath.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse's best action in this situation would be to administer the ordered antibiotic trimethoprim (Trimpex). A urinary tract infection (UTI) requires antibiotic treatment to eliminate the bacterial infection causing the symptoms. Phenazopyridine hydrochloride is a urinary tract analgesic that can help relieve urinary pain but does not treat the infection itself. Bethanechol is a cholinergic medication used to treat urinary retention, not a UTI. Acetaminophen and a warm bath may help with some discomfort but do not address the underlying infection causing the urinary pain. Therefore, administering the prescribed antibiotic would be the most appropriate action to target the source of the patient's symptoms.