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:
Increased neuromuscular excitability is not typically associated with respiratory acidosis. Instead, respiratory acidosis can lead to symptoms such as confusion, fatigue, and shortness of breath due to the buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood. Neuromuscular excitability is more commonly associated with conditions like hypocalcemia.
Choice B Reason:
This is the correct answer. Respiratory acidosis occurs when the lungs cannot remove enough carbon dioxide (CO2) from the body, leading to an accumulation of CO2 in the blood. This increase in CO2 results in the formation of carbonic acid, which lowers the pH of the blood. The elevated levels of carbonic acid are a hallmark of respiratory acidosis.
Choice C Reason:
Increased pH is not associated with respiratory acidosis. In fact, respiratory acidosis is characterized by a decrease in blood pH due to the accumulation of carbon dioxide and the subsequent increase in carbonic acid. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice D Reason:
Hypokalemia, or low potassium levels, is not typically associated with respiratory acidosis. Instead, respiratory acidosis can sometimes lead to hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) due to the shift of potassium out of cells in response to the acidotic state. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Norepinephrine is a key neurotransmitter released by the sympathetic nervous system during the “fight-or-flight” response. It plays a crucial role in preparing the body to respond to stress by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and blood flow to muscles, as well as dilating the airways. These physiological changes are essential for coping with acute stress.
Choice B Reason:
Cortisol is a hormone released by the adrenal glands in response to stress, but it is primarily associated with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis rather than the sympathetic nervous system. While cortisol contributes to the body’s overall stress response by increasing blood sugar levels and suppressing the immune system, it is not the primary mediator of the acute “fight-or-flight” response.
Choice C Reason:
ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal glands to release cortisol. It is part of the HPA axis and plays a role in the body’s long-term stress response, but it is not directly involved in the immediate activation of the sympathetic nervous system.
Choice D Reason:
Glucagon is a hormone produced by the pancreas that raises blood glucose levels by promoting the breakdown of glycogen to glucose in the liver. While it can be involved in the body’s response to stress by ensuring an adequate supply of glucose, it is not a primary mediator of the acute stress response mediated by the sympathetic nervous system.
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