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 D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Decreased acetylcholine is not the primary cause of Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s results from dopamine loss in the substantia nigra, disrupting motor control. Acetylcholine imbalance may occur in other conditions like Alzheimer’s, but it is not the pathophysiological basis for Parkinson’s motor symptoms.
Choice B reason: Increased serotonin is not linked to Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s is caused by dopamine depletion in the basal ganglia, leading to motor dysfunction. Serotonin imbalances may affect mood, but they are not the core mechanism, making this incorrect for the disease’s pathophysiological basis.
Choice C reason: Disruption in the myelin sheath occurs in multiple sclerosis, not Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s involves neuronal loss in the substantia nigra, reducing dopamine. Myelin is unrelated to Parkinson’s motor symptoms, making this incorrect, as dopamine deficiency is the established pathophysiological mechanism driving the disease.
Choice D reason: Parkinson’s disease is caused by a diminished amount of dopamine due to degeneration of substantia nigra neurons. Dopamine deficiency disrupts basal ganglia function, causing tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. This is the core pathophysiological basis, supported by neurological evidence linking dopamine loss to Parkinson’s symptoms.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Artificial sweeteners do not directly contribute to diabetic nephropathy. Nephropathy results from chronic hyperglycemia damaging glomerular vessels. Sweeteners may affect diet but lack evidence linking them to renal damage, making this incorrect compared to elevated HbA1c, the primary driver of diabetic complications.
Choice B reason: Frequent hypoglycemia may cause acute symptoms but does not directly cause nephropathy. Chronic hyperglycemia, reflected by high HbA1c, damages renal glomeruli, leading to nephropathy. Hypoglycemia is a treatment complication, not a risk factor for renal damage, making this an incorrect choice.
Choice C reason: Moderate alcohol consumption may affect overall health but is not a primary risk factor for diabetic nephropathy. Chronic hyperglycemia, indicated by elevated HbA1c, drives glomerular damage. Alcohol’s impact is less direct, making this incorrect compared to the established link between poor glycemic control and nephropathy.
Choice D reason: Consistently elevated HbA1c reflects chronic hyperglycemia, the primary cause of diabetic nephropathy. High glucose levels damage glomerular capillaries, leading to proteinuria and renal decline. This is a well-established risk factor, supported by endocrinology evidence, making it the correct choice for increased nephropathy risk.
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