A patient has been exposed to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) but is not yet demonstrating signs of this disease. This stage of illness is called the ______ stage.
Prodromal
Remission
Exacerbation
Latent
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
The prodromal stage refers to the period during which early symptoms of a disease appear but are not yet specific or severe. This stage is often associated with infectious diseases where initial symptoms like fever, malaise, and fatigue occur before more specific symptoms develop. In the context of HIV, the prodromal stage would not be applicable as it refers to the early symptomatic phase rather than a period without symptoms.
Choice B Reason:
Remission is a term used to describe a period during which the symptoms of a disease are reduced or disappear. This term is commonly used in the context of chronic diseases such as cancer or autoimmune disorders. For HIV, remission would imply a reduction in viral load and symptoms due to effective treatment, but it does not describe the asymptomatic phase following initial exposure.
Choice C Reason:
Exacerbation refers to the worsening or flare-up of symptoms in a chronic disease. This term is often used in conditions like asthma or multiple sclerosis where symptoms can become more severe periodically. In the context of HIV, exacerbation would describe periods where symptoms become more pronounced, not the asymptomatic phase after initial exposure.
Choice D Reason:
The latent stage, also known as the clinical latency stage or asymptomatic HIV infection, is the period after initial HIV exposure when the virus is present in the body but not causing any symptoms. During this stage, HIV continues to replicate at low levels, and the individual may not feel sick or show any signs of the disease. This stage can last for several years, especially with effective antiretroviral therapy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Bronchoconstriction is the narrowing of the airways in the lungs due to the tightening of surrounding smooth muscle. This response is typically associated with conditions like asthma and is not a common reaction to acute stress. During stress, the sympathetic nervous system actually causes bronchodilation to increase airflow and oxygen delivery to the muscles.
Choice B Reason:
This is the correct answer. Increased glucose production is a typical response to acute stress. The body releases stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which stimulate the liver to produce more glucose. This process, known as glycogenolysis, ensures that the body has enough energy to handle the stressor. This response is part of the “fight-or-flight” mechanism, preparing the body for immediate physical activity.
Choice C Reason:
Decreased cortisol release is not expected during acute stress. In fact, cortisol levels typically increase as part of the body’s stress response. Cortisol helps to mobilize energy stores, suppress inflammation, and support cardiovascular function. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice D Reason:
Bradycardia, or a slower than normal heart rate, is not a typical response to acute stress. Instead, the sympathetic nervous system increases heart rate (tachycardia) to ensure that more blood is pumped to vital organs and muscles. This helps the body to respond more effectively to the stressor.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
The exhaustion stage is the final phase of the general adaptation syndrome (GAS). It occurs when the body has been exposed to stress for a prolonged period and can no longer maintain resistance. Symptoms of exhaustion include fatigue, burnout, depression, and decreased stress tolerance. Since the student is experiencing an immediate response to a sudden stressor, this stage does not apply.
Choice B Reason:
Adaptation is not a specific stage in the general adaptation syndrome. The correct stages are alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice C Reason:
This is the correct answer. The alarm stage is the initial phase of the general adaptation syndrome, also known as the “fight-or-flight” response. During this stage, the body reacts to a stressor by activating the sympathetic nervous system, which leads to increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and heightened alertness. The student’s reaction to the near-miss accident fits this description perfectly.
Choice D Reason:
The stage of resistance is the second phase of the general adaptation syndrome. During this stage, the body attempts to adapt to the stressor and return to a state of balance. If the stressor persists, the body remains on high alert, but the initial shock of the alarm stage has passed. Since the student’s response is immediate and acute, it aligns with the alarm stage rather than the resistance stage.
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