The daughter of an older adult asks the nurse why her father seems to have so many respiratory infections despite receiving the annual influenza vaccine. Select the nurse's best response.
After the age of 60, the plasma volume increases and there is a decreased ability to fight infections.
Healthy bone marrow function decreases with aging, which lowers the immune response to infection.
older adults have an overactive antibody response to vaccines.
An older person's blood is more prone to clotting, so infection-fighting cells cannot reach the source of infection quickly.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: This is incorrect. After the age of 60, the plasma volume decreases and there is a decreased ability to fight infections. The decrease in plasma volume reduces the blood flow and oxygen delivery to the tissues, which impairs the immune function.
Choice B reason: This is correct. Healthy bone marrow function decreases with aging, which lowers the immune response to infection. The bone marrow produces fewer white blood cells, which are essential for fighting infections. The older adult also has a reduced response to vaccines, which makes them more susceptible to infections.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect. Older adults have an underactive antibody response to vaccines. This means that they do not produce enough antibodies to protect themselves from the pathogens that the vaccine is supposed to prevent.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect. An older person's blood is more prone to clotting, but this does not affect the infection-fighting cells. The infection-fighting cells can still travel through the blood vessels and reach the source of infection. However, the increased risk of clotting can lead to other complications such as stroke or heart attack.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Elevating the head of the bed 20 to 30 degrees is an appropriate intervention for a patient who had a craniotomy to relieve increased intracranial pressure. It helps to reduce the venous pressure and improve the cerebral perfusion.
Choice B reason: Maintaining bright lighting in the room to assess bleeding at the surgical site is not an appropriate intervention for a patient who had a craniotomy to relieve increased intracranial pressure. It can increase the sensory stimulation and aggravate the intracranial pressure. The nurse should use dim lighting and monitor the dressing and the drainage system for signs of bleeding.
Choice C reason: Stimulating the patient every half hour to assess changes in level of consciousness is not an appropriate intervention for a patient who had a craniotomy to relieve increased intracranial pressure. It can increase the cerebral metabolic demand and worsen the intracranial pressure. The nurse should assess the level of consciousness using the Glasgow Coma Scale and avoid unnecessary stimulation.
Choice D reason: Allowing the patient to change positions frequently to maintain comfort is not an appropriate intervention for a patient who had a craniotomy to relieve increased intracranial pressure. It can increase the intrathoracic pressure and affect the cerebral blood flow. The nurse should limit the patient's movement and avoid extreme flexion, extension, or rotation of the head and neck.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not a correct explanation for the large number of leukemic white cells. Leukemic white cells are abnormal white blood cells that do not function properly. They do not attempt to take over the function of the abnormal white blood cells, but rather crowd out the normal ones.
Choice B reason: This is also not a correct explanation for the large number of leukemic white cells. Leukemic white cells do not help to protect against infection, but rather increase the risk of infection. They impair the immune system's ability to fight off bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
Choice C reason: This is a partially correct explanation for the large number of leukemic white cells. Leukemic white cells are larger in size than normal white blood cells, and they can clog the bone marrow. This can interfere with the production of other blood cells, such as red blood cells and platelets. However, this is not the only reason for the large number of leukemic white cells.
Choice D reason: This is the best explanation for the large number of leukemic white cells. Leukemic white cells are not as effective as normal white cells to protect against infection, because they are immature and dysfunctional. They do not respond to signals from the immune system, and they do not recognize or destroy foreign invaders. They also prevent the normal white cells from doing their job.
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