Which explanation does the nurse know best describes the role of inflammation in the development of atherosclerosis?
Initiates the fibrinolytic process in the arteries
Decreases highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels
Damages the endothelium of the arteries
Causes diffuse arterial vasoconstriction
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Initiates the fibrinolytic process in the arteries is not a role of inflammation in the development of atherosclerosis, but a protective mechanism against it. Fibrinolysis is the breakdown of blood clots by enzymes such as plasmin. It prevents the formation of thrombi that can occlude the arteries and cause ischemia.
Choice B reason: Decreases highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels is not a role of inflammation in the development of atherosclerosis, but an indicator of it. hsCRP is a marker of systemic inflammation that is produced by the liver in response to cytokines. It is elevated in patients with atherosclerosis and correlates with the risk of cardiovascular events.
Choice C reason: Damages the endothelium of the arteries is the main role of inflammation in the development of atherosclerosis. Endothelial injury exposes the subendothelial layer to the blood, which triggers the adhesion of monocytes and platelets. Monocytes differentiate into macrophages and engulf oxidized low-density lipoproteins (LDL), forming foam cells. Foam cells accumulate in the intima and form fatty streaks, which are the earliest lesions of atherosclerosis.
Choice D reason: Causes diffuse arterial vasoconstriction is not a role of inflammation in the development of atherosclerosis, but a consequence of it. Atherosclerosis narrows the lumen of the arteries and reduces the blood flow to the tissues. This causes ischemia, which stimulates the release of vasoconstrictors such as angiotensin II and endothelin. Vasoconstriction further worsens the ischemia and increases the blood pressure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Prostaglandins are inflammatory mediators that are derived from arachidonic acid. They are involved in both the early and late phases of type 1 hypersensitivity response, but they do not cause immediate bronchoconstriction and vasodilation. They mainly cause pain, fever, and inflammation.
Choice B reason: Histamine is an inflammatory mediator that is stored in mast cells and basophils. It is released during the early phase of type 1 hypersensitivity response, which occurs within minutes of exposure to an allergen. It causes immediate bronchoconstriction and vasodilation, as well as increased vascular permeability, mucus secretion, and itching.
Choice C reason: Leukotrienes are inflammatory mediators that are derived from arachidonic acid. They are involved in the late phase of type 1 hypersensitivity response, which occurs several hours after exposure to an allergen. They cause sustained bronchoconstriction and inflammation, as well as increased mucus production and airway edema.
Choice D reason: Bradykinin is an inflammatory mediator that is formed from plasma proteins. It is not directly involved in type 1 hypersensitivity response, but it may be activated by the complement system, which is part of the innate immune system. It causes vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, and pain.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Macrophages, monocytes, and bradykinin are involved in the inflammatory response, but they do not directly cause the symptoms of asthma. They may activate other cells and mediators that contribute to bronchoconstriction and mucus production.
Choice B reason: B lymphocytes, serotonin, and immunoglobulin D are not major players in the pathophysiology of asthma. B lymphocytes produce immunoglobulins, but immunoglobulin E (IgE) is the main antibody involved in allergic asthma. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that may affect mood and sleep, but it does not cause bronchospasm. Immunoglobulin D is a rare antibody that has no known role in asthma.
Choice C reason: Histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins are the main inflammatory mediators that cause the clinical manifestations of asthma. They are released by mast cells and other cells in response to allergens or irritants. They cause bronchial smooth muscle contraction, increased vascular permeability, edema, mucus secretion, and airway inflammation.
Choice D reason: Helper T lymphocytes, natural killer cells, and interleukin-1 are involved in the immune response, but they do not directly cause the symptoms of asthma. They may modulate the activation and differentiation of other cells and mediators that contribute to airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation.
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