An infection control nurse is teaching a class about the transmission of infectious agents. The nurse should include that which of the following diseases is transmitted via airborne transmission? (Select All that Apply.)

Choice A Reason: Autoimmune disorder affecting the bones

Osteoporosis is not an autoimmune disorder. Autoimmune disorders involve the immune system attacking the body’s own tissues, which is not the case with osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is primarily characterized by a decrease in bone density and mass, leading to fragile bones.

Choice B Reason: Buildup of inflammation in the joints

While inflammation can affect bone health, osteoporosis is not primarily caused by inflammation in the joints. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis involve joint inflammation, but osteoporosis involves the loss of bone density and strength, not joint inflammation.

Choice C Reason: Increase in calcium levels in the blood

An increase in calcium levels in the blood is not a characteristic of osteoporosis. In fact, osteoporosis often involves a decrease in bone calcium content, leading to weaker bones. Hypercalcemia, or high calcium levels in the blood, is associated with other conditions such as hyperparathyroidism.

Choice D Reason: Bone loss in the cortical and cancellous bones

This is the correct description of the pathophysiology of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis involves the loss of bone density in both the cortical (hard outer layer) and cancellous (spongy inner layer) bones. This loss leads to bones becoming brittle and more susceptible to fractures.

Choice A Reason: Cerebral edema is caused by cerebrospinal fluid flowing from the intraventricular space to the interstitial area of the brain

This statement is not accurate. Cerebral edema in meningitis is not primarily caused by the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the intraventricular space to the interstitial area. Instead, it is more related to the inflammatory response triggered by the infection.

Choice B Reason: Cerebral edema is caused by osmotic cerebral edema

Osmotic cerebral edema occurs when there is an imbalance in the osmotic pressure, leading to fluid accumulation in the brain. However, this is not the primary mechanism in meningitis. The edema in meningitis is more related to the inflammatory response and the by-products of the pathogen.

Choice C Reason: Cerebral edema is caused by the by-products of the pathogen that causes the meningitis

This statement is the most accurate. In meningitis, the infection triggers an inflammatory response, leading to the release of various by-products such as cytokines and other inflammatory mediators. These substances increase the permeability of the blood-brain barrier, resulting in fluid leakage and cerebral edema.

Choice D Reason: Cerebral edema is caused by whole body inflammation which affects the brain the most

While systemic inflammation can contribute to cerebral edema, the primary cause in meningitis is the localized inflammatory response in the brain and meninges. The by-products of the pathogen and the resulting inflammation are the main factors leading to cerebral edema.