The nurse is reviewing the lab data of a newly admitted patient. The nurse notes that patient had an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) done, and the results are quite elevated. The nurse would knows this is in response to which condition?

A. Formation of granulomas: Granuloma formation is a feature of chronic inflammation (organized collection of macrophages), not a routine step in the acute inflammatory response. (Not a step.)
B. Release of histamine: Histamine release (from mast cells, basophils) is an early mediator in acute inflammation causing vasodilation and increased permeability.
C. Arteriole dilation: Arteriolar (and precapillary) dilation is a vascular change in acute inflammation that increases blood flow (redness, heat).
D. Increase blood flow: Increased blood flow (hyperemia) is a hallmark vascular feature of acute inflammation producing warmth and redness.
E. Phagocytosis: Phagocytosis by neutrophils and macrophages is a key cellular event in acute inflammation to remove microbes/debris.

A. dysplasia: Dysplasia is disordered, atypical cellular growth and may be a precursor to cancer, but it is not the term that best defines established cancer.
B. neoplasia: Neoplasia (new, uncontrolled cell growth) is the term that best describes tumors/cancer (malignant neoplasms).
C. metaplasia: Metaplasia is reversible replacement of one cell type by another and is not synonymous with cancer.
D. hyperplasia: Hyperplasia is increased cell number (often a regulated response) and can be benign or a step toward neoplasia, but it does not itself define cancer.