A patient has been diagnosed with an empyema. What does the healthcare professional tell the patient about this condition?
We will have to drain the pus out of your pleural space
These blebs in your lungs can rupture with exercise
You will be given a long course of antiviral medication
We will watch you for respiratory muscle fatigue
The Correct Answer is A
A. We will have to drain the pus out of your pleural space: An empyema is characterized by the accumulation of pus in the pleural space, typically due to infection or inflammation. The primary treatment often involves draining the infected fluid to relieve symptoms and treat the underlying infection, making this statement accurate and appropriate for the patient.
B. These blebs in your lungs can rupture with exercise: This statement is not applicable to empyema. Blebs are associated with conditions like pulmonary bullae or emphysema, not empyema. Empyema specifically refers to pus in the pleural space, not blebs in the lungs.
C. You will be given a long course of antiviral medication: Antiviral medication is not typically indicated for empyema, as it is often caused by bacterial infections. Treatment usually involves antibiotics and drainage rather than antiviral therapy.
D. We will watch you for respiratory muscle fatigue: While monitoring for respiratory status is important in any patient with empyema, this statement does not specifically address the nature of empyema or its treatment. The focus should be on managing the infection and drainage of the pleural space.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Bradycardia: Bradycardia, which is a slower than normal heart rate, is not a typical clinical manifestation of pleural effusion with empyema. In fact, fever and infection usually lead to tachycardia (an increased heart rate) as the body attempts to respond to infection.
B. Pleural pain: Pleural pain is a common symptom associated with pleural effusion and empyema, resulting from irritation of the pleura due to inflammation or infection.
C. Cough: A cough can occur with pleural effusion and empyema, often as a response to irritation or pressure in the thoracic cavity. It may also be associated with underlying lung conditions contributing to the effusion.
D. Fever: Fever is a typical clinical manifestation of empyema, indicating an infectious process. The presence of infection in the pleural space often results in systemic signs of infection, such as fever.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Injury to the endothelial cells that line the artery walls: The development of atherosclerosis begins with damage to the endothelial cells of the arterial wall. This injury can be caused by various factors, including hypertension, smoking, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Once the endothelium is injured, it becomes more permeable, allowing lipids and inflammatory cells to penetrate and accumulate, leading to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.
B. Release of the platelet-derived growth factor: While platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) plays a role in the proliferation of smooth muscle cells and the progression of atherosclerosis, it is not the initiating event. PDGF is released in response to endothelial injury and inflammation but does not cause the initial damage itself.
C. Macrophages adhere to vessel walls: The adherence of macrophages to the vessel walls occurs after the initial endothelial injury. Once the endothelium is damaged, macrophages migrate to the site and contribute to the inflammatory response and plaque formation, but this is not the initiating event.
D. Release of inflammatory cytokines: Inflammatory cytokines are part of the response that follows endothelial injury and play a role in the progression of atherosclerosis. However, the release of these cytokines is a consequence of the initial injury rather than the initiating event.
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