A patient with a severe viral infection exhibits reduced levels of circulating lymphocytes. Which of the following mechanisms is most likely responsible for this observation?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A patient with a severe viral infection exhibiting reduced levels of circulating lymphocytes is likely due to the apoptosis of infected lymphocytes. When a virus enters the body, it can infect and replicate within lymphocytes, subsequently triggering the immune system to induce apoptosis in infected cells to prevent further spread of the virus. This process is part of the body's defense mechanism to control the viral infection. As a result, the circulating lymphocyte levels may decrease as infected lymphocytes are targeted for apoptosis. This phenomenon helps to limit viral replication and spread within the body, thereby aiding in the immune response to eliminate the virus.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The member of the health team responsible for preparing pre-operative orders for a patient undergoing surgery, such as a coronary arterial bypass graft (CABG), is typically the anesthesiologist. Anesthesiologists are specialized physicians who are trained to administer anesthesia and manage the patient's well-being during surgery. They are responsible for assessing the patient's medical history, determining the appropriate anesthesia plan, and prescribing pre-operative medications. Cardiologists focus on diagnosing and treating heart conditions, surgeons perform the actual surgical procedure, and medical internists specialize in the diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of internal diseases. The anesthesiologist plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and comfort of the patient before, during, and after surgery.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The pharynx is the structure responsible for transporting food from the oral cavity to the esophagus during swallowing. When food is chewed and mixed with saliva in the oral cavity, it forms a bolus that is propelled to the pharynx by the tongue. The pharynx serves as a common passageway for both air and food, allowing the bolus to pass into the esophagus while preventing it from entering the trachea. The epiglottis, although important in preventing food from entering the airway, is not directly involved in the transportation of food from the oral cavity to the esophagus.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Record keeping involves several key steps such as structuring, securing, and storing information. However, easy disposal is not a step in record keeping. In fact, it is important to carefully consider the disposal of records in a secure and responsible manner to protect sensitive information and comply with relevant regulations. Proper disposal methods should be followed to ensure that records are not accessible to unauthorized individuals and that any sensitive information is properly destroyed to prevent misuse or breaches of privacy. Therefore, easy disposal is not a recommended practice in effective record keeping.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The severe abdominal cramps experienced by the multiparous patient Amy, 28 hours after a Cesarean delivery (CS) and while breastfeeding, are likely caused by the release of Oxytocin during the breastfeeding session. Oxytocin is a hormone that is naturally produced during breastfeeding to stimulate the contraction of the uterus and help reduce postpartum bleeding. These contractions may result in cramping sensations in the abdomen, specifically at the site of the uterus. It is a normal physiological response and an indication that the body is working as it should to support the postpartum recovery process.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The Right to Information pertains to the patient's right to be informed about their condition, treatment plan, and to have access to relevant medical information. It does not include specific details about payment or insurance coverage, such as the extent to which payment may be expected from PhilHealth. While financial information is important for patients, it does not fall under the scope of the Right to Information in a healthcare context, which focuses more on medical information and decision-making processes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The primary purpose of conducting an audit in a health facility is to ensure that standards are met. Audits are conducted to review and evaluate the documentation and practices within a healthcare facility to ensure compliance with established standards, protocols, procedures, and regulations. By conducting audits, the facility can identify any discrepancies, non-compliance with standards, or areas for improvement to maintain high-quality care and patient safety. This process helps in maintaining a high standard of care, reducing errors, promoting quality improvement initiatives, and ensuring the overall efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare services provided in the facility.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The presentation of painless, progressive visual field loss, especially in the peripheral vision, along with an open iridocorneal angle is characteristic of open-angle glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma is a type of glaucoma where there is no physical obstruction to the outflow of aqueous humor from the eye, but there is gradual damage to the optic nerve over time. The gradual loss of peripheral vision is a common early symptom of open-angle glaucoma. It is essential to diagnose and manage open-angle glaucoma promptly to prevent irreversible vision loss.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The nurse's best response when a patient expresses frustration with the healthcare system's inefficiencies is to listen actively to the patient's concerns, acknowledge the challenges they are facing, and offer support. It is important for the nurse to validate the patient's feelings and demonstrate empathy, rather than dismissing or ignoring their frustrations. By offering support and showing understanding, the nurse can help the patient feel heard and valued, which is an essential aspect of providing patient-centered care. This approach can also help to strengthen the nurse-patient relationship and build trust, ultimately leading to better outcomes for the patient's overall healthcare experience.