Immunity Matters
The body’s ability to recognize and defend against pathogens is known as:
a) Homeostasis
b) Immunity
c) Inflammation
d) Infection
b) Immunity
Rationale: Immunity refers to the body's defense system against pathogens. It includes both innate and adaptive immune responses to protect the body from harmful agents.
The four classic signs of inflammation are:
a) Fever, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting
b) Redness, swelling, heat, and pain
c) Pain, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue
d) Swelling, redness, nausea, and vomiting
b) Redness, swelling, heat, and pain
Rationale: These are the four cardinal signs of inflammation, indicating the body’s protective response to injury or infection.
Which of the following is a common fungal infection?
a) Pneumonia
b) Malaria
c) Yeast infection
d) Tuberculosis
c) Yeast infection
Rationale: Yeast infections are caused by fungal pathogens, typically Candida species, and can affect areas like the vaginal canal or skin.
What is the first step in assessing a patient for immunity, infection, or inflammation?
a) Performing a physical exam
b) Taking a medical history
c) Ordering laboratory tests
d) Administering pain medication
b) Taking a medical history
Rationale: A thorough medical history is essential to understand risk factors, previous infections, chronic conditions, and medication use.
Which of the following is the most effective way to prevent infection in a healthcare setting?
a) Administering antibiotics
b) Using a face mask
c) Hand hygiene
d) Giving flu vaccines
c) Hand hygiene
Rationale: Hand hygiene is the most effective method to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings, as it reduces the transmission of pathogens.
Which of the following conditions is an example of an exaggerated immune response?
a) HIV
b) Rheumatoid arthritis
c) Cancer
d) Tuberculosis
b) Rheumatoid arthritis
Rationale: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues, causing inflammation and joint damage.
Which of the following best describes chronic inflammation?
a) Short-term, resolving quickly after injury
b) Long-term, causing tissue damage over time
c) Occurring only in response to an infection
d) Always associated with a fever
b) Long-term, causing tissue damage over time
Rationale: Chronic inflammation persists over a long period and can lead to tissue damage, as seen in conditions like arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease.
Which bacterial infection is most commonly associated with a productive cough, fever, and chest pain?
a) Pneumonia
b) Tuberculosis
c) Influenza
d) HIV
a) Pneumonia
Rationale: Pneumonia is a bacterial infection of the lungs that causes symptoms like a productive cough, fever, and chest pain.
A patient presents with a swollen, red, and warm knee joint. Which condition does this most likely suggest?
a) Infection
b) Trauma
c) Inflammation
d) Cancer
c) Inflammation
Rationale: The classic signs of inflammation—redness, swelling, heat, and pain—suggest an inflammatory process, such as in arthritis or a soft tissue injury.
What is the primary nursing intervention to reduce swelling in acute inflammation?
a) Administering antibiotics
b) Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE)
c) Applying heat therapy
d) Performing gentle massage
b) RICE
Rationale: The RICE method is commonly used to manage acute inflammation by reducing swelling, pain, and promoting healing of injured tissues.
A patient diagnosed with HIV is most likely experiencing which type of immune dysfunction?
a) Exaggerated immunity
b) Suppressed immunity
c) Hyperactivity of the immune system
d) None of the above
b) Suppressed immunity
Rationale: HIV suppresses the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to infections and diseases.
Elevated CRP and ESR levels suggest:
a) A viral infection
b) Dehydration
c) Inflammation or infection
d) Normal body function
c) Inflammation or infection
Rationale: CRP and ESR are markers for inflammation in the body. Elevated levels suggest ongoing inflammation or infection.
A patient is diagnosed with sepsis. Which of the following is the priority intervention?
a) Administer pain medication
b) Monitor for fever and chills
c) Initiate fluid resuscitation and antibiotics
d) Assess for hypertension
c) Initiate fluid resuscitation and antibiotics
Rationale: Sepsis is a life-threatening response to infection. Fluid resuscitation and antibiotics are critical for stabilizing the patient and preventing organ failure.
A low WBC count may indicate:
a) Infection
b) Dehydration
c) Immunosuppression
d) Nutritional deficiency
c) Immunosuppression
Rationale: A low WBC count can indicate that the immune system is weakened, making the body more susceptible to infections.
Question: Which vaccine is recommended for prevention of pneumonia in elderly patients?
a) MMR
b) Varicella
c) Pneumococcal vaccine
d) Hepatitis B
c) Pneumococcal vaccine
Rationale: The pneumococcal vaccine helps prevent pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, which is particularly important for older adults and those with chronic illnesses.
A CBC with a high WBC count suggests which of the following?
a) Immunosuppression
b) Infection or inflammation
c) Cancer
d) Low iron levels
b) Infection or inflammation
Rationale: An elevated WBC count indicates an immune response to infection or inflammation, as the body increases production of white blood cells to fight off pathogens.
Which of the following medications is commonly used to treat chronic inflammation?
a) Antihistamines
b) NSAIDs
c) Antivirals
d) Diuretics
b) NSAIDs
Rationale: NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain in conditions such as arthritis.
Which of the following lab tests is used to identify the specific bacteria causing an infection?
a) CRP
b) Culture and sensitivity
c) CBC
d) ESR
b) Culture and sensitivity
Rationale: Culture and sensitivity tests help identify the specific pathogen causing an infection and determine the most effective antibiotics to treat it.
What type of imaging is most commonly used to detect lung infections like pneumonia?
a) MRI
b) CT scan
c) X-ray
d) Ultrasound
c) X-ray
Rationale: X-rays are the most common imaging technique used to identify lung infections, such as pneumonia, by revealing fluid and consolidation in the lungs.
A patient with a bacterial infection is being treated with antibiotics. Which intervention is most important to ensure the treatment's effectiveness?
a) Administering pain relief medication
b) Monitoring for allergic reactions
c) Encouraging fluid intake
d) Ensuring medication adherence
d) Ensuring medication adherence
Rationale: Ensuring patients complete the full course of antibiotics is crucial to prevent antibiotic resistance and ensure the infection is eradicated.
Which of the following interventions is most important to prevent infection in a patient with suppressed immunity?
a) Administer antibiotics
b) Perform frequent hand hygiene
c) Encourage exercise
d) Administer pain medication
b) Perform frequent hand hygiene
Rationale: Hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infection, especially in patients with weakened immune systems.
A patient with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is experiencing persistent abdominal pain. Which body system is primarily affected?
a) Respiratory system
b) Cardiovascular system
c) Gastrointestinal system
d) Endocrine system
c) Gastrointestinal system
Rationale: Inflammatory bowel disease primarily affects the gastrointestinal system, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and cramping.
Which parasitic infection is most commonly transmitted by mosquitoes?
a) Tuberculosis
b) HIV
c) Malaria
d) Influenza
c) Malaria
Rationale: Malaria is caused by the Plasmodium parasite and is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito.
Which of the following assessments is critical in a patient presenting with fever, chills, and difficulty breathing?
a) Neurological assessment
b) Pulse oximetry and vital signs
c) Abdominal examination
d) Skin assessment
b) Pulse oximetry and vital signs
Rationale: Monitoring vital signs, including oxygen saturation, is crucial in assessing respiratory function and potential sepsis in patients with fever and difficulty breathing.
A patient with an autoimmune disease is prescribed immunosuppressants. Which is the most important nursing action?
a) Teach the patient about the risk of infections
b) Administer pain medications as needed
c) Encourage physical activity
d) Monitor for gastrointestinal distress
a) Teach the patient about the risk of infections
Rationale: Immunosuppressants decrease the body’s ability to fight infections, so educating the patient on infection prevention is critical.