A fellow student asks you to explain how tuberculosis (TB) can remain dormant in some people. What explanation will you give?

It does not remain dormant but some host defenses can kill the bacteria

Virulence factors in the baciilli weaken over time leading to apoptosis

The bacilli can become isolated within tubercles in the lungs, possibly encapsulated

Macrophages attack and phagocytize new areas of infection

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. It does not remain dormant but some host defenses can kill the bacteria: While the immune system can kill some of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli, in many cases, the bacteria evade complete eradication and persist in a dormant state within the lungs. This does not mean the infection is fully eliminated, as it can reactivate later.

B. Virulence factors in the bacilli weaken over time, leading to apoptosis: Mycobacterium tuberculosis does not naturally lose its virulence over time. Instead, it can persist in a latent state due to immune containment, not because of a reduction in its ability to cause disease.

C. The bacilli can become isolated within tubercles in the lungs, possibly encapsulated: In latent tuberculosis, the immune system walls off the bacilli within granulomas (tubercles), preventing active disease. These granulomas may be encapsulated with fibrous tissue, restricting bacterial growth and spread. The bacteria remain dormant but can reactivate if the immune system weakens.

D. Macrophages attack and phagocytize new areas of infection: While macrophages do play a role in the immune response to tuberculosis, they are often unable to completely eradicate the bacilli. Instead, the bacteria can survive within macrophages and trigger the formation of granulomas, which help contain but not eliminate the infection.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Deep vein thrombosis: Patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are at a significantly higher risk for developing pulmonary embolism (PE) due to the potential for thrombus formation in the veins to dislodge and travel to the lungs. Assessing this patient as a priority is crucial, as timely intervention can prevent the development of PE.

B. Endocarditis: While endocarditis can lead to embolic events, it typically results in systemic emboli rather than specifically causing pulmonary embolism. The immediate priority for PE assessment is lower in patients with endocarditis compared to those with DVT.

C. Left heart failure: Left heart failure can lead to pulmonary congestion and respiratory symptoms but does not directly indicate a high risk of pulmonary embolism. While it is important to monitor these patients, assessing for PE is not the immediate priority.

D. Valvular disease: Valvular disease can increase the risk of thrombus formation, particularly if it results in atrial fibrillation. However, the direct connection to pulmonary embolism is not as pronounced as in patients with DVT. Therefore, assessing patients with valvular disease for PE is not the priority compared to those with DVT.

A. A woman presenting with malaise, lethargy, and copious nasal secretions B. A man with a dry, stuffy nasopharynx, a sore throat, and temperature of 98.9°F C. A man complaining of general fatigue, a headache, and facial pain with a temperature of 100.9°F D. A woman complaining of generalized aches and who has a hoarse voice and reddened, painful upper airways

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. A woman presenting with malaise, lethargy, and copious nasal secretions: These symptoms are more indicative of a common cold or viral upper respiratory infection. While nasal secretions can occur in rhinosinusitis, the absence of facial pain or pressure suggests a cold rather than sinus involvement.

B. A man with a dry, stuffy nasopharynx, a sore throat, and temperature of 98.9°F: This presentation is typical of a common cold or upper respiratory infection. The symptoms of a dry, stuffy nasopharynx and sore throat are not specifically indicative of rhinosinusitis, which usually involves more pronounced nasal and facial symptoms.

C. A man complaining of general fatigue, a headache, and facial pain with a temperature of 100.9°F: This combination of symptoms strongly suggests rhinosinusitis. The presence of facial pain, headache, and fever indicates inflammation and infection of the sinuses, which is characteristic of rhinosinusitis rather than a common cold.

D. A woman complaining of generalized aches and who has a hoarse voice and reddened, painful upper airways: These symptoms align more closely with a viral upper respiratory infection or laryngitis. The absence of specific sinus-related symptoms such as facial pain or nasal obstruction makes rhinosinusitis less likely in this case.

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A fellow student asks you to explain how tuberculosis (TB) can remain dormant in some people. What explanation will you give?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Which of the following patients who presented to a walk-in medical clinic is most likely to be diagnosed wtih a rhinosinusitis rather than a common cold?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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