A fellow student asks you to explain how tuberculosis (TB) can remain dormant in some people. What explanation will you give?
It does not remain dormant but some host defenses can kill the bacteria
Virulence factors in the baciilli weaken over time leading to apoptosis
The bacilli can become isolated within tubercles in the lungs, possibly encapsulated
Macrophages attack and phagocytize new areas of infection
The Correct Answer is C
A. It does not remain dormant but some host defenses can kill the bacteria: While the immune system can kill some of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli, in many cases, the bacteria evade complete eradication and persist in a dormant state within the lungs. This does not mean the infection is fully eliminated, as it can reactivate later.
B. Virulence factors in the bacilli weaken over time, leading to apoptosis: Mycobacterium tuberculosis does not naturally lose its virulence over time. Instead, it can persist in a latent state due to immune containment, not because of a reduction in its ability to cause disease.
C. The bacilli can become isolated within tubercles in the lungs, possibly encapsulated: In latent tuberculosis, the immune system walls off the bacilli within granulomas (tubercles), preventing active disease. These granulomas may be encapsulated with fibrous tissue, restricting bacterial growth and spread. The bacteria remain dormant but can reactivate if the immune system weakens.
D. Macrophages attack and phagocytize new areas of infection: While macrophages do play a role in the immune response to tuberculosis, they are often unable to completely eradicate the bacilli. Instead, the bacteria can survive within macrophages and trigger the formation of granulomas, which help contain but not eliminate the infection.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Triglycerides: Elevated triglyceride levels are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. High triglycerides can contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, leading to a higher risk of heart disease and complications such as heart attacks or strokes.
B. Very low density lipoproteins (VLDLs): Elevated VLDL levels are considered harmful and are linked to a higher risk of atherosclerosis. VLDLs contribute to the accumulation of triglycerides and promote the development of plaque in the arteries, which can significantly increase cardiovascular risk over time.
C. High density lipoproteins (HDLs): Elevated HDL levels are considered protective against the development of atherosclerosis. HDLs help transport cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver for excretion, which not only reduces the risk of plaque buildup but also lowers the likelihood of heart disease and enhances overall cardiovascular health.
D. Low density lipoproteins (LDLs): Elevated LDL levels are known to be a major risk factor for atherosclerosis. LDL cholesterol can contribute to the formation of plaques in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke, and it is important to manage LDL levels for better cardiovascular health.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Veins that are most susceptible to a deep vein thrombosis are the peroneal, posterior tibial, popliteal and superficial femoral: This statement is correct. These veins are indeed among the most common sites for the development of DVT.
B. DVTs tend to mostly occur in the lower extremities but can occur in the upper extremities too: This statement is also correct. While DVTs primarily occur in the lower extremities, they can occur in the upper extremities as well, particularly in individuals with risk factors such as central venous catheters or certain medical conditions.
C. A DVT is a type of venous thromboembolism (VTE), which is a blood clot that starts in the vein: This statement is correct. DVTs are indeed classified as venous thromboembolism, which refers to blood clots that form in the venous system.
D. A deep vein thrombosis in the lower extremity has a low probability of becoming a pulmonary embolism: This statement is incorrect. A deep vein thrombosis in the lower extremity has a significant risk of becoming a pulmonary embolism if a thrombus dislodges and travels to the pulmonary circulation. It is essential to monitor and treat DVTs to reduce the risk of complications like pulmonary embolism.
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