A worried parent of a 6-month-old infant wants to know if the child needs to be seen by a healthcare provider for flu-like symptoms. Which question should the nurse ask to best determine the acuity of the child's illness?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Asking if the infant is having trouble breathing best determines acuity because respiratory distress in a 6-month-old with flu-like symptoms signals a potentially life-threatening condition, like bronchiolitis or pneumonia, requiring immediate evaluation. Infants have small airways and immature lungs, making breathing difficulty a red flag symptoms like rapid breathing or grunting indicate severity. Temperature matters, but fever alone doesn't assess urgency as precisely. Nasal drainage is common in flu but not inherently acute. Symptom onset helps timeline illness but doesn't pinpoint critical status. The nurse prioritizes breathing difficulty because, in infants under six months (too young for flu shots), respiratory compromise is a leading cause of flu-related hospitalization, guiding the parent to seek care if this symptom is present, ensuring timely intervention for the vulnerable child.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The nurse explains that viscous mucus secretions trap influenza viruses in the respiratory tract, while local immunologic defenses antibodies and inflammation neutralize them at entry, forming the body's first line against flu. This response, causing symptoms like swelling, limits viral spread before systemic immunity kicks in. Lowering body temperature isn't a defense fever helps fight viruses. Antihistamines aren't naturally released, and catecholamines don't target flu. Coughing clears mucus, but antidiuretic hormone inhibition relates to hydration, not defense. This accurate info highlights mucus and local immunity's protective roles, educating the client on innate barriers, enhancing understanding of flu resistance and symptom origins.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Neutrophils and macrophages accumulate in alveoli due to smoking (A), likely from nicotine's chemotactic effects'. Choice B is false; heavy smoking clearly causes emphysema (centriacinar). Choice C is incorrect; smoking oxidatively inactivates α₁-antitrypsin, not reduces production, creating a 'functional' deficiency. Choice D is wrong; both neutrophils and macrophages drive emphysema, not macrophages alone. Page 721 confirms A's inflammatory cell influx, with oxidants tipping the protease-antiprotease balance, distinguishing it over B's denial or C's mechanism error.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Inhaled allergens elicit a T_H2-dominated response favoring IgE production (C) in extrinsic asthma. Choice A is true; IgE cross-linking releases mediators (e.g., histamine) opening tight junctions. Choice B is false; it's Type I hypersensitivity (IgE-mediated), not Type II (antibody-cell). Choice D is incorrect; major basic protein (eosinophil-derived) damages epithelium, not inhibits. Choice E (antigen penetration) follows A. Page 725 (Fig 15-11) confirms C's T_H2 role IL-4/IL-13 drive IgE, distinguishing it over B's type error or D's protective claim.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Asbestos acts as a tumor initiator and promoter (D), uniquely among dusts. Choice A is false; family members risk exposure from workers' clothes. Choice B is incorrect; both mesothelioma and lung carcinoma are common. Choice C is wrong; serpentine fibers are less pathogenic (cleared easier) than amphiboles. Choice E (smoking increases carcinoma risk) is true. Page 736 confirms D's dual role asbestos induces mutations and promotes growth, distinguishing it over A's risk denial or C's fiber error.