A child with bacterial conjunctivitis is brought back to the clinic after taking antibiotics for 48 hours as prescribed. The mother explains that she applied warm compresses to the eyes for several hours each day. Which pathophysiological process may have contributed to the apparent persistence of the infection?
Instilling medication immediately after cleaning the child’s eyes.
Washing hands with antibacterial soap before and after eye care.
Applying warm compresses to the eyes for several hours.
Removing secretions from inner canthus by wiping downward and outward.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Instilling medication after cleaning the eyes is correct, as it ensures a clear surface for antibiotic absorption. This does not contribute to infection persistence but supports treatment efficacy. The issue lies with warm compresses, which may exacerbate bacterial growth, making this choice incorrect.
Choice B reason: Washing hands with antibacterial soap before and after eye care prevents contamination and supports infection control. This practice reduces infection spread, not persistence. Prolonged warm compresses, which promote bacterial proliferation, are the issue, making hand hygiene an incorrect contributor to the infection’s persistence.
Choice C reason: Applying warm compresses for several hours creates a moist, warm environment that may promote bacterial growth, potentially worsening conjunctivitis despite antibiotics. Brief compresses can soothe, but prolonged use counteracts treatment, aligning with microbiological evidence that warmth fosters bacterial persistence in ocular infections.
Choice D reason: Wiping secretions downward and outward from the inner canthus prevents contamination of the unaffected eye, supporting infection control. This does not contribute to infection persistence. Prolonged warm compresses are the likely cause, as they create conditions favoring bacterial growth, making this choice incorrect.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Decreased histamine production does not occur during inflammation; histamine release increases, promoting vasodilation and permeability. Inflammation triggers immune responses, including histamine-mediated vascular changes to deliver immune cells. This choice is incorrect, as reduced histamine contradicts the immune system’s proinflammatory response to an inflammatory stimulus.
Choice B reason: Vasoconstriction reduces blood flow, counteracting inflammation’s goal of delivering immune cells to the site. Inflammation causes vasodilation to enhance blood flow and permeability. Vasoconstriction is not a primary immune response to inflammation, making this an incorrect choice for the body’s reaction to an inflammatory source.
Choice C reason: Increased vascular permeability is a hallmark of inflammation, allowing plasma, immune cells, and proteins to reach the affected site. Histamine and cytokines trigger this response, facilitating immune defense and tissue repair. This aligns with the immune system’s proinflammatory mechanism, making it the correct response to inflammation.
Choice D reason: Activation of exocytosis involves cellular vesicle release, not a primary inflammatory response. While immune cells may use exocytosis to release mediators, increased vascular permeability is the direct immune reaction to inflammation, enabling immune access. This choice is less specific, making it incorrect for the primary response.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Decreased red blood cell count indicates anemia, which may cause fatigue or exacerbate ischemia but is not a direct marker of atherosclerosis. Angina results from arterial plaque buildup, driven by elevated LDL cholesterol. Low RBCs do not contribute to plaque formation, making this inconsistent with the diagnosis.
Choice B reason: Elevated LDL cholesterol is a primary risk factor for atherosclerosis, as it deposits in arterial walls, forming plaques that narrow coronary arteries, causing angina. In overweight smokers with stress, high LDL is a key driver of cardiovascular disease, directly supporting the pathophysiology of angina, per evidence-based lipid guidelines.
Choice C reason: Decreased triglycerides are not associated with atherosclerosis, which is driven by high LDL and low HDL. Triglycerides contribute to cardiovascular risk when elevated, but low levels do not cause angina. Elevated LDL is the critical lipid abnormality in this client’s angina due to coronary artery narrowing.
Choice D reason: Increased HDL cholesterol is protective against atherosclerosis, as it removes cholesterol from arteries, reducing plaque formation. Angina is associated with low HDL and high LDL. High HDL would mitigate, not cause, the client’s condition, making this inconsistent with the diagnosis of atherosclerosis-induced angina.
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.