Adult Health Nursing Test Bank Related

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A patient presents with fever, chills, headache, and myalgia after returning from a trip to sub-Saharan Africa. Laboratory tests reveal intraerythrocytic ring forms and trophozoites on blood smear examination. Which of the following is the most likely causative agent?

  • A. Plasmodium falciparum
  • B. Trypanosoma cruzi
  • C. Borrelia burgdorferi
  • D. Leishmania donovani
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Plasmodium falciparum. Plasmodium falciparum is the most likely causative agent because the patient's symptoms of fever, chills, headache, and myalgia, along with the presence of intraerythrocytic ring forms and trophozoites on blood smear, are characteristic of malaria, particularly caused by P. falciparum in sub-Saharan Africa.

Summary of other choices:
B: Trypanosoma cruzi causes Chagas disease, which presents with symptoms like fever, rash, and swelling at the site of entry, not consistent with the patient's presentation.
C: Borrelia burgdorferi causes Lyme disease, which typically presents with a characteristic rash (erythema migrans) and arthritis, not matching the patient's symptoms.
D: Leishmania donovani causes visceral leishmaniasis, which presents with symptoms like weight loss, hepatosplen