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: A

Rationale: The clinical presentation of gross hematuria, flank pain, palpable abdominal mass, along with imaging findings of a large heterogeneous renal mass with necrosis and calcifications are highly suggestive of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). RCC is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults. The presence of necrosis and calcifications are characteristic features of RCC. Imaging modalities such as CT scans or MRI can confirm the diagnosis by showing the typical features of RCC, including a solid mass with areas of necrosis and calcifications. It is important to further evaluate this patient, likely with a biopsy, to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the disease for appropriate management.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The presentation described is consistent with anterior uveitis. Anterior uveitis involves inflammation of the iris and ciliary body. Patients typically present with symptoms such as redness, pain, photophobia, and blurred vision. The slit-lamp examination findings of ciliary injection (redness and dilation of blood vessels in the iris and ciliary body), corneal edema, and a mid-dilated pupil with a fixed reaction to light (due to ciliary muscle spasm causing decreased accommodation) are characteristic of anterior uveitis. This condition is often idiopathic but can be associated with various systemic diseases like ankylosing spondylitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and other autoimmune disorders. Treatment involves addressing the inflammation with topical corticosteroids and, in some cases, cycloplegic agents to reduce pain and inflammation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct response would be "Absorption of iron is enhanced with Vitamin C." Iron absorption is increased in the presence of Vitamin C. Therefore, recommending Evelyn to take her iron supplement with a source of Vitamin C such as orange juice or a Vitamin C tablet would optimize the absorption of iron in her body and help prevent maternal anemia more effectively. Taking iron with other vitamins separately, after a full meal, or with milk would not have the same beneficial effect on iron absorption as combining it with Vitamin C.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Weight reduction is the most important focus in the health teachings provided by the nurse. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for overall well-being and can significantly reduce the risk of various health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. By emphasizing weight reduction, the nurse can help improve the patient's overall health and quality of life. Jogging a mile a day and vigorous exercise are beneficial for weight management, but it is important to address the root cause of potential health problems which in this case may be excess weight. Moreover, emphasizing the importance of weight reduction does not necessarily mean encouraging extreme dieting; instead, it involves promoting a balanced and healthy approach to eating and physical activity.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Grounded theory is a qualitative research method that focuses on generating theory from data rather than testing pre-existing theories. In this scenario, where the goal is to explore social processes observed in the delivery room activities, grounded theory would be the most appropriate method. This method allows researchers to systematically collect and analyze data in order to develop theoretical explanations for social phenomena. By using grounded theory, researchers can explore the interactions, behaviors, and social processes at play in the delivery room in a structured and systematic way, thereby gaining insights into these phenomena through an inductive approach.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Immunological memory is primarily maintained by the clonal expansion of memory B cells. Memory B cells are a type of long-lived immune cell that originates from previously activated B cells during an immune response to a pathogen. When the immune system encounters the same pathogen again, memory B cells can quickly recognize and respond to it by undergoing rapid clonal expansion and differentiation into plasma cells that produce specific antibodies. This quick and robust response leads to the more efficient elimination of the pathogen during secondary exposure, resulting in the faster and stronger immune response characteristic of immunological memory.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Ethnographic research allows researchers to be neutral observers because it involves immersing oneself in the culture or community being studied without imposing their own biases or preconceptions. Ethnographers aim to understand the perspectives and behaviors of the people they are studying by observing them in their natural environment and engaging in participant observation. This approach enables researchers to gain insights into the social and cultural context of their subjects without influencing the outcomes or reactions. By maintaining neutrality and objectivity, ethnographic researchers can produce more authentic and unbiased results.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In cases of acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) with elevated intracranial pressure (ICP), a significant factor contributing to the elevated ICP is often the mass effect caused by the hematoma within the brain. Performing an emergent craniotomy for hematoma evacuation is a critical intervention to relieve the pressure within the intracranial space, thereby mitigating the risk of herniation and further neurological damage. While other interventions such as hypertonic saline therapy, head-of-bed elevation, and sedative medications may have supporting roles in managing ICP, none address the primary cause of elevated ICP in cases of acute intracerebral hemorrhage as effectively as hematoma evacuation through craniotomy.