Why do opportunistic diseases develop in an individual with AIDS?
- A. They are side effects of drug treatment of AIDS.
- B. They are sexually transmitted to individuals during exposure to HIV.
- C. They are characteristic in individuals with stimulated B and T lymphocytes.
- D. These infections or tumors occur in a person with an incompetent immune system.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Opportunistic diseases arise because the immune system is severely compromised in individuals with AIDS, making them susceptible to infections and cancers they would otherwise resist.
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While caring for an HIV-positive patient who is hospitalized with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia,you note that all of these drug therapies are scheduled for 10:00 AM. Which nursing action is most essential to accomplish at the scheduled time?
- A. Administer the protease inhibitor indinavir (Crixivan) 800 mg PO.
- B. Infuse pentamidine (Pentam-300) 300 mg IV over 60 minutes.
- C. Have the patient “swish and swallow” nystatin (Mycostatin) 5 mL.
- D. Apply acyclovir (Zovirax) cream to oral herpes simplex lesions.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pentamidine is a critical medication for treating Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and must be administered on time to ensure therapeutic levels. The other medications while important can be administered slightly later if necessary without significantly impacting the patient’s condition.
Lysozyme is NOT
- A. An enzyme present in secretions and tears
- B. A type of Defensin
- C. Part of the chemical innate barriers to infection
- D. A protein capable of dissolving the cell wall of bacteria
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because lysozyme is not a type of defensin. Lysozyme is an enzyme present in secretions and tears, part of chemical innate barriers to infection, and capable of dissolving the cell wall of bacteria. Defensins are a different type of antimicrobial peptides that function by disrupting the microbial cell membrane. Therefore, B is the correct answer as it does not accurately describe lysozyme's function.
Select incorrect mechanism for the development of autoimmune disorder.
- A. A second exposure to an allergen.
- B. Cross-reaction of antibodies formed against foreign antigens with self-antigens.
- C. Exposure of previously 'hidden' self-antigens to the adaptive immune system.
- D. Mutation followed by the appearance of membrane proteins not previously present.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. A second exposure to an allergen does not lead to the development of autoimmune disorders. The key mechanisms involved in autoimmune disorders are self-tolerance breakdown and immune system attacking self-antigens.
Explanation:
1. B: Cross-reaction of antibodies formed against foreign antigens with self-antigens is a possible mechanism for autoimmune disorders.
2. C: Exposure of previously 'hidden' self-antigens to the adaptive immune system can trigger autoimmune responses.
3. D: Mutation followed by the appearance of membrane proteins not previously present can lead to autoimmune disorders, as the immune system may recognize these proteins as foreign.
Summary:
Choice A is incorrect because a second exposure to an allergen does not cause the immune system to target self-antigens, which is the hallmark of autoimmune disorders. Choices B, C, and D are more plausible mechanisms for the development of autoimmune disorders.
The best treatment for mononucleosis is:
- A. Antibiotics.
- B. Physical therapy.
- C. NSAIDs.
- D. Rest and fluids.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Mononucleosis is caused by a viral infection, so antibiotics are ineffective. Rest and fluids are the most effective treatments as they support the body's immune response and help manage symptoms like fatigue and dehydration.
The most abundant class of immunoglobulin in serum is
- A. IgE
- B. IgA
- C. IgD
- D. IgG
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: IgG. IgG is the most abundant class of immunoglobulin in serum, constituting about 75% of total immunoglobulins. IgG plays a crucial role in humoral immunity, providing long-term protection against pathogens. IgE (A) is involved in allergic responses, IgA (B) is mainly found in mucosal secretions, and IgD (C) functions as a cell surface receptor on B cells. IgG is the primary immunoglobulin responsible for secondary immune responses and provides the bulk of the adaptive immune response.