Which of the following actions should be taken first when encountering a person experiencing an allergic reaction with signs of respiratory distress?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Assess the severity of the reaction. This should be the first action taken because it helps determine the urgency of the situation and guides subsequent steps. Assessing the severity allows for appropriate intervention - from calling emergency services if the reaction is severe, to administering medication if necessary. A: Administering an epinephrine auto-injector should only be done if the severity of the reaction warrants it, as it is a potent medication that can have serious side effects if used inappropriately. B: Positioning the person comfortably is important, but assessing the severity of the reaction takes precedence to ensure prompt and appropriate care. C: Monitoring vital signs is important, but assessing the severity of the reaction is crucial in determining the immediate course of action.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The primary goal of CPR is to restore spontaneous circulation and oxygenation to the body to maintain vital organ function. By performing chest compressions and rescue breaths, CPR aims to circulate oxygenated blood to the brain and other vital organs. This is crucial to prevent brain damage and increase the chances of survival. The other choices are incorrect because CPR does not address the underlying cause of cardiac arrest (A), provide pain relief (C), or prevent further complications such as organ failure (D). The immediate focus in a cardiac arrest situation is to maintain blood flow and oxygen delivery to vital organs until advanced medical care can be provided.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ectopic pregnancy. In this scenario, the combination of missed periods, positive pregnancy test, and empty uterus on ultrasound with fluid in the cul-de-sac is highly suggestive of an ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, commonly in the fallopian tube. The presence of fluid in the cul-de-sac indicates possible blood from a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, causing the severe lower abdominal pain. Ovarian cyst rupture (A) typically presents with less severe pain. Septic abortion (C) would present with signs of infection and products of conception in the uterus. Ovarian torsion (D) would present with acute onset of unilateral lower abdominal pain and a palpable adnexal mass, not fluid in the cul-de-sac.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Empiric antibiotic therapy directed against common pathogens. This is recommended for managing PID because it helps treat the infection and prevent complications. Antibiotics target the underlying bacterial infection causing PID. Surgical exploration (B) is not the initial treatment for PID. Hormonal therapy (C) is not indicated for PID management. Symptomatic treatment with NSAIDs (D) can help with pain but does not address the infection itself.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Macrophages. Macrophages are antigen-presenting cells that engulf pathogens and present their antigens to T cells, initiating an immune response. They express major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules necessary for T cell recognition. B cells also present antigens but primarily to B cells for antibody production. NK cells are involved in killing infected cells, not antigen presentation. Eosinophils are mainly involved in allergic responses and defense against parasites, not antigen presentation.