"My doctor said I have an autoimmune disease. What does that mean?" asks a client. How should the nurse respond?

A. "This drug has a longer duration of action than some of the other antibiotics."
Explanation: Azithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic, has a longer half-life in the body compared to some other antibiotics. Half-life refers to the time it takes for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body. A longer half-life means the drug remains effective for a longer duration, allowing for less frequent dosing.

B. "This is a much more effective drug than what you received previously."
Explanation: While azithromycin is effective against a wide range of bacterial infections, it's not accurate to say it's universally more effective than other antibiotics. The choice of antibiotic depends on the specific type of infection and the susceptibility of the bacteria causing it. Effectiveness varies based on the context of use.

C. "I'll call the pharmacy and ask about the chemical makeup of the drug."
Explanation: While understanding the chemical makeup of drugs is important for healthcare professionals, it might not directly answer the patient's question about the dosing frequency. Explaining the drug's pharmacological properties, such as its duration of action, would provide a more relevant and understandable response to the patient's query.

D. "You'll need to ask your healthcare provider questions like that."
Explanation: This response does not provide the patient with the information they seek. Nurses are valuable resources for medication-related questions and should strive to provide accurate and understandable explanations to patients.

A. Macrophage: This is the correct answer. An activated monocyte is also known as a macrophage. Monocytes are white blood cells that can mature into macrophages when they move into tissues. Macrophages play a crucial role in the immune system by phagocytosing (engulfing and digesting) pathogens and cellular debris.

B. Lymphocyte: Lymphocytes are another type of white blood cell that plays a central role in the immune system. They include B cells, T cells, and natural killer cells. Lymphocytes are primarily involved in adaptive immune responses, such as antibody production (B cells) and cell-mediated immune responses (T cells).

C. Plasma Cell: Plasma cells are a type of B cell that produces antibodies (immunoglobulins). They are involved in the adaptive immune response, specifically in the production of antibodies that target specific pathogens.

D. Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte: This term typically refers to a group of white blood cells that have a multi-lobed nucleus. Neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils are examples of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. They are involved in innate immune responses, including the phagocytosis of pathogens.