A nurse is reviewing the laboratory report of a client's most recent Pap smear that indicates moderately abnormal cervical cells were present. Based on the description of the cells, which of the following changes of precancerous cell growth to the client's cervix should the nurse identify?
Hyperplasia
Metaplasia
Malignant
Dysplasia
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason:
Hyperplasia is an increase in the number of cells in an organ or tissue, which can lead to its enlargement. While hyperplasia can be a response to a stimulus and is not necessarily precancerous, it does not describe the abnormal changes in the shape, size, and organization of mature cells.
Choice B reason:
Metaplasia is a reversible change in which one differentiated cell type is replaced by another cell type. This process can be a response to chronic irritation and inflammation, and while it may predispose cells to cancerous changes, it is not in itself a precancerous condition.
Choice C reason:
The term 'malignant' refers to cancerous cells that have the ability to invade and destroy nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body. The description of the cells as 'moderately abnormal' does not indicate that the cells are malignant but rather that they are showing signs of potentially precancerous changes.
Choice D reason:
Dysplasia refers to the presence of abnormal cells within a tissue or organ. It is characterized by changes in cell size, shape, uniformity, arrangement, and structure, particularly when such changes are strongly suggestive of developing neoplasia, or new, abnormal growth. In the context of a Pap smear, dysplasia is indicative of precancerous changes and is the term used to describe the abnormal development of cells on the cervix.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Danazol is a synthetic steroid that is typically used to treat endometriosis and fibrocystic breast disease. It is not indicated for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and could potentially worsen symptoms due to its androgenic effects.
Choice B reason:
Methyltestosterone is an anabolic steroid with androgenic properties, similar to the male hormone testosterone. It is used to treat men with testosterone deficiency. However, it is not used for BPH treatment and, like danazol, could exacerbate BPH symptoms due to its androgenic activity.
Choice C reason:
Finasteride is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that is commonly prescribed for the treatment of BPH. It works by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to prostate growth. By reducing DHT levels, finasteride can help shrink the prostate and alleviate urinary symptoms associated with BPH.
Choice D reason:
Fluoxymesterone is another anabolic steroid with testosterone-like effects. It is used to treat conditions associated with a deficiency or absence of endogenous testosterone. It is not suitable for BPH treatment and could potentially worsen the condition due to its androgenic properties.

Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is the most common type of antibody found in blood circulation and is involved in the body's immune response to fight infections. However, IgG is not typically associated with allergic reactions, which are immediate hypersensitivity reactions.
Choice B reason:
Immunoglobulin A (IgA) plays a critical role in mucosal immunity and is found in high concentrations in the mucous membranes, particularly those lining the respiratory passages and gastrointestinal tract. Like IgG, IgA is not primarily responsible for the allergic response seen in conditions such as seasonal allergies.
Choice C reason:
Immunoglobulin M (IgM) is usually the first antibody produced by the immune system when it detects an infection. IgM antibodies are larger and are involved in the primary immune response but are not the antibodies that mediate typical allergic reactions.
Choice D reason:
Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is the antibody that plays a central role in the pathophysiology of allergic diseases, including seasonal allergies. IgE antibodies are produced as a response to allergens and are responsible for the symptoms of an allergic reaction. An elevation in IgE levels typically indicates a positive result for an allergy test such as RAST.
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