Around three weeks after razing an old chicken house, a 71 year-old retired farmer has developed a fever, nausea and vomiting. After ruling out more common health problems, his care provider eventually made a diagnosis of histoplasmosis. Which physiological process is most likely taking place?
Antibody production against the offending fungi is delayed by the patient's age and the virulence of the organism
Macrophages are able to remove the offending fungi from the bloodstream but can't destroy them
Spore inhalation initiates an autoimmune response that produces the associated symptoms
Toxin production by Histoplasma capsulatum is triggering an immune response
The Correct Answer is A
A. Antibody production against the offending fungi is delayed by the patient's age and the virulence of the organism: In older adults, the immune response may be slower or less effective due to age-related changes in the immune system. The virulence of Histoplasma capsulatum can also contribute to the severity of the infection, making it more difficult for the immune system to mount an effective response quickly, which explains the symptoms of fever, nausea, and vomiting.
B. Macrophages are able to remove the offending fungi from the bloodstream but can't destroy them: While macrophages play a crucial role in the immune response to fungi, in the case of histoplasmosis, they often engulf the fungi but may struggle to completely eradicate them, especially in immunocompromised individuals or the elderly. However, this option does not fully explain the delayed symptoms associated with the patient's age and the organism's virulence.
C. Spore inhalation initiates an autoimmune response that produces the associated symptoms: Histoplasmosis is caused by inhaling spores of Histoplasma capsulatum, but the symptoms are not the result of an autoimmune response. Instead, the immune system's attempt to combat the infection leads to the clinical manifestations, not an autoimmune process.
D. Toxin production by Histoplasma capsulatum is triggering an immune response: Histoplasma capsulatum does not produce toxins that directly trigger an immune response. Instead, the immune response is primarily due to the presence of the fungi themselves and the inflammatory response they provoke, which leads to the associated symptoms of the infection.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Deep vein thrombosis: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) typically presents with swelling, pain, and tenderness in a specific area of the leg. It does not specifically cause pain that resolves with rest after walking, making it less likely in Mr. Jones's case.
B. Valvular regurgitation: Valvular regurgitation refers to the backward flow of blood due to improper closure of heart valves. This condition primarily affects cardiac function and is not associated with pain in the legs that resolves with rest, which does not correlate with Mr. Jones's symptoms.
C. Varicose veins: Varicose veins can cause discomfort, swelling, and aching in the legs but are not typically characterized by pain that is specifically triggered by walking and resolves with rest. The symptoms of varicose veins usually occur with prolonged standing or sitting rather than exertion.
D. Intermittent claudication: Intermittent claudication is a common symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD), characterized by muscle pain or cramping in the legs during physical activity, such as walking, that resolves with rest. Mr. Jones's description of pain that occurs while walking and subsides upon stopping aligns with this condition, making it the most appropriate explanation for his symptoms.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Myocardial infarction: Myocardial infarction involves the irreversible damage to the heart muscle due to prolonged ischemia, typically resulting from the occlusion of a coronary artery. The lack of oxygen and nutrients leads to cell death in the affected area of the heart, causing permanent damage.
B. Myocardial stunning: Myocardial stunning refers to a temporary reduction in the heart's function following reperfusion after a period of ischemia. The heart muscle may regain function over time, and this condition does not cause irreversible damage.
C. Stable angina: Stable angina is characterized by transient chest pain due to reversible ischemia, usually triggered by physical exertion or stress. The ischemic episodes do not lead to irreversible damage to the heart muscle, as blood flow is restored when the trigger is removed.
D. Unstable angina: Unstable angina involves episodes of chest pain that occur at rest or with minimal exertion and may signal an impending myocardial infarction. While it indicates a high risk of myocardial infarction, it does not cause irreversible damage to the heart muscle itself unless it progresses to an infarction.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.