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: This is correct. Folic acid deficiency causes macrocytic, normochromic anemia, which means that the red blood cells are larger than normal, but have normal color and hemoglobin content. Folic acid is a vitamin that is needed for the synthesis of DNA and the maturation of red blood cells.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Microcytic, hypochromic anemia means that the red blood cells are smaller than normal and have less color and hemoglobin content. This type of anemia is caused by iron deficiency, not folic acid deficiency.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect. Normocytic, normochromic anemia means that the red blood cells are normal in size, color, and hemoglobin content, but there are fewer of them. This type of anemia is caused by blood loss, hemolysis, or bone marrow failure, not folic acid deficiency.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect. Microcytic, normochromic anemia means that the red blood cells are smaller than normal, but have normal color and hemoglobin content. This type of anemia is rare and is caused by disorders of red blood cell production, such as thalassemia or sideroblastic anemia, not folic acid deficiency.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect. Polyphasia and nystagmus are not signs of neurological deterioration, but rather of speech and eye disorders. Polyphasia is the excessive use of words or speech, and nystagmus is the involuntary movement of the eyes.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Increased respiratory rate and depth are not signs of neurological deterioration, but rather of respiratory distress or hyperventilation. They may indicate a problem with the lungs or the blood gases, not the brain.
Choice C reason: This is correct. Decreased level of consciousness and difficulty arousing upon stimulation are signs of neurological deterioration, as they indicate a decrease in the brain's ability to function and respond to stimuli. They may be caused by increased intracranial pressure, bleeding, swelling, or infection in the brain.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect. Decreased pulse pressure and pupils slowly reactive and round to light are not signs of neurological deterioration, but rather of cardiovascular or autonomic dysfunction. They may indicate a problem with the heart or the blood pressure, not the brain.
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