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: Patient should increase daily iron supplements, is a statement that indicates a need for additional teaching. Iron supplements are not recommended for patients with beta-thalassemia, because they already have high levels of iron in their blood due to the frequent blood transfusions. Excess iron can cause damage to the liver, heart, and other organs. Therefore, the patient should avoid iron supplements and foods rich in iron, and take chelation therapy to remove the excess iron from the body.
Choice B reason: Signs and symptoms of infection, is a statement that does not indicate a need for additional teaching. Patients with beta-thalassemia are at risk of developing infections, due to the impaired immune system and the exposure to blood-borne pathogens. Therefore, the patient should be aware of the signs and symptoms of infection, such as fever, chills, sore throat, cough, or skin lesions, and seek medical attention promptly.
Choice C reason: Our child will need to have blood transfusions, is a statement that does not indicate a need for additional teaching. Blood transfusions are the main treatment for patients with beta-thalassemia, because they help to increase the level of hemoglobin and red blood cells, and prevent anemia and its complications. Therefore, the patient should receive regular blood transfusions, usually every two to four weeks, depending on the severity of the condition.
Choice D reason: Swimming is a good activity for our child, is a statement that does not indicate a need for additional teaching. Swimming is a good activity for patients with beta-thalassemia, because it helps to improve the cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and joint mobility, and reduce the stress and fatigue. Therefore, the patient should engage in moderate physical activities, such as swimming, walking, or cycling, as tolerated, and avoid strenuous or competitive sports that can cause injury or dehydration.
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.
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