What is characteristic of chronic inflammation?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Chronic inflammation is characterized by the persistent presence of the injurious agent or repeated tissue injury, making option B the correct choice. This distinguishes chronic inflammation from acute inflammation, which typically resolves within 2 to 3 weeks (option A). Option C is incorrect because infective endocarditis is an example of acute, not chronic, inflammation. In chronic inflammation, unlike in acute inflammation, neutrophils are not the predominant cell type at the site of inflammation; instead, there is a shift to mononuclear cells like macrophages and lymphocytes. Understanding the characteristics of chronic inflammation is crucial in pharmacology as it influences treatment strategies. Chronic inflammation is associated with various diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, where long-term management aims to control the underlying inflammation. Recognizing the features of chronic inflammation helps healthcare providers tailor therapies to target the specific immune responses involved, leading to improved patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the case of Tay-Sachs disease, which is an autosomal recessive disorder, both parents being identified as heterozygous carriers means they each carry one normal allele and one mutated allele. When two carriers have a child, there is a 25% chance that the child will inherit two copies of the mutated allele, leading to the manifestation of Tay-Sachs disease. Option A) 40% is incorrect because it does not account for the specific genetic inheritance pattern of autosomal recessive disorders like Tay-Sachs. Option B) 50% is incorrect as it implies a 50-50 chance, which is not the case in autosomal recessive inheritance. Option C) 20% is incorrect as it underestimates the risk due to not considering both parents being carriers. Understanding the principles of Mendelian genetics and genetic inheritance patterns is crucial in pharmacology as it helps healthcare professionals predict the likelihood of certain genetic disorders in families. This knowledge is vital in counseling patients about the risks of passing on genetic conditions to their offspring and in making informed decisions about reproductive choices. It also underscores the importance of genetic testing and counseling in families with a history of genetic disorders.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Passive acquired immunity is the transfer of pre-formed antibodies from one individual to another. In the context of the options provided: A) Pooled gamma globulin: This is a form of passive acquired immunity where antibodies are collected from multiple donors and administered to provide immediate protection. However, this is not a characteristic unique to passive acquired immunity as it can also be achieved through active immunization. B) Immunization with antigen: This describes active acquired immunity where the individual's immune system is stimulated to produce its antibodies. This is not characteristic of passive acquired immunity. C) Temporary for several months: This is correct as passive acquired immunity provides immediate protection but the transferred antibodies have a limited lifespan in the recipient's body, typically lasting for several months. D) Immediate, lasting several weeks: While passive acquired immunity does provide immediate protection due to the presence of pre-formed antibodies, the duration is longer than several weeks. It typically lasts for several months until the transferred antibodies are metabolized and eliminated. Educational Context: Understanding the distinction between passive and active acquired immunity is crucial in pharmacology and immunology. Passive immunity is useful for providing immediate protection in situations where the individual's immune system is compromised or when rapid protection is needed, but it is temporary. This knowledge is essential for healthcare professionals in determining the most appropriate intervention for different clinical scenarios.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) Decreased size and activity of the thymus gland. As individuals age, the thymus gland undergoes involution, leading to a decrease in its size and activity. The thymus gland is crucial for the development and maturation of T lymphocytes, which play a key role in immune surveillance against cancer cells. Therefore, a decrease in thymus function can compromise the immune system's ability to detect and eliminate abnormal cells, increasing the incidence of tumors in older adults. Regarding the incorrect options: A) An increase in autoantibodies is not the primary factor contributing to the increased incidence of tumors in older adults. Autoantibodies are antibodies that mistakenly target the body's own tissues and cells, leading to autoimmune diseases, not cancer. B) Decreased activity of the bone marrow primarily affects the production of blood cells, not the development of tumors. C) Decreased differentiation of T lymphocytes may impact immune function but is not as directly linked to the increased incidence of tumors in older adults as the decreased size and activity of the thymus gland. Educationally, understanding the age-related changes in the immune system and their implications for cancer development is crucial for nurses and healthcare providers working with older adult populations. This knowledge can inform patient education, preventive care strategies, and early detection practices to promote better health outcomes in aging individuals.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Plasmapheresis is indicated in the treatment of autoimmune disorders because it is a procedure that involves removing plasma from the blood. The correct answer is C) Remove autoantibodies, antigen-antibody complexes, and inflammatory mediators of immune reactions. This is the correct answer because plasmapheresis helps to eliminate autoantibodies that are attacking the body's own tissues in autoimmune disorders. By removing autoantibodies, antigen-antibody complexes, and inflammatory mediators, plasmapheresis aims to reduce the overall burden of harmful components in the plasma that contribute to the autoimmune response. Option A) Obtain plasma for analysis and evaluation of specific autoantibodies is incorrect because plasmapheresis is not typically used solely for diagnostic purposes. It is primarily a therapeutic intervention aimed at reducing the pathogenic components in the blood. Option B) Decrease high lymphocyte levels in the blood to prevent immune responses is incorrect because plasmapheresis does not target lymphocytes specifically. While lymphocytes play a role in autoimmune responses, plasmapheresis is more focused on removing harmful antibodies and complexes. Option D) Add monocytes to the blood to promote removal of immune complexes by the mononuclear phagocyte system is incorrect because plasmapheresis does not involve adding cells to the blood. Instead, it is a process of removing plasma components that contribute to the autoimmune response. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind using plasmapheresis in autoimmune disorders is crucial for healthcare providers involved in managing patients with these conditions. By knowing how plasmapheresis works to remove pathogenic components from the blood, healthcare professionals can better explain the treatment to patients and understand its role in the overall management of autoimmune diseases.