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. Fungus: While fungal infections can cause infective endocarditis, they are much less common compared to bacterial infections. Fungal endocarditis typically occurs in immunocompromised individuals or those with specific risk factors.
B. Virus: Viral infections can affect the heart, but they are not a common cause of infective endocarditis. Most cases of endocarditis are associated with bacterial infections rather than viral ones.
C. Bacterium: The most common cause of infective endocarditis is bacterial infection. Bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus viridans, and Enterococcus, are frequently implicated in this condition. These bacteria can enter the bloodstream and adhere to heart valves or damaged cardiac tissue, leading to infection and inflammation.
D. Rickettsiae: Rickettsial infections are caused by a specific type of bacteria that are typically transmitted through arthropod vectors, such as ticks. While they can cause various illnesses, they are not a common cause of infective endocarditis.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Increase peripheral resistance: An increase in peripheral resistance contributes to hypertension by raising the pressure in the arteries. This condition often results from vasoconstriction or structural changes in the blood vessels, leading to higher overall blood pressure.
B. Decrease in cardiac output: A decrease in cardiac output typically does not cause hypertension. In fact, low cardiac output may lead to hypotension (low blood pressure) since there is less blood being pumped into the circulatory system. This option is the exception when discussing physiological causes of hypertension.
C. Both increased cardiac output and peripheral resistance: Both increased cardiac output and peripheral resistance can lead to hypertension. An increase in either factor can elevate blood pressure, and their combined effect can significantly contribute to the development of hypertension.
D. Increased cardiac output: Increased cardiac output raises blood pressure by delivering more blood to the arteries with each heartbeat. This can occur due to various factors such as increased fluid volume, increased heart rate, or heightened contractility of the heart.
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