Which of the following complications can occur if a clotted cannula is aggressively flushed?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: A clot can enter the circulation. When a clotted cannula is aggressively flushed, the force can dislodge the clot, allowing it to enter the circulation and potentially leading to serious complications such as embolism. Incorrect choices: B: An air embolism can enter the circulation - In the context of a clotted cannula, air embolism is less likely compared to a clot entering the circulation. C: A painful arterial spasm can occur - Arterial spasm is a potential complication but not directly related to flushing a clotted cannula. D: Fluid extravasation into surrounding tissue can occur - Flushing a clotted cannula may not specifically lead to fluid extravasation, as it is more related to needle dislodgement or improper placement.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Emphasize the completion of the entire course of drug therapy. Empyema is a serious condition that requires antibiotic treatment. Emphasizing the completion of the entire course of drug therapy is crucial to ensure that the infection is completely eradicated and to prevent the development of drug-resistant strains. Teaching breathing exercises (choice A) may help improve lung function but is not the primary intervention for empyema. Offering assurance that empyema takes less time to resolve (choice B) is incorrect as it can mislead the client about the seriousness of the condition. Recommending a balanced but light diet (choice C) may be beneficial for overall health but is not directly related to treating empyema.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Maturates T cells. The thymus gland is crucial for the maturation of T cells, a type of white blood cell that plays a central role in the adaptive immune response. T cells mature in the thymus through a process of selection and education, where they learn to distinguish self from non-self antigens. This process is essential for the development of a functional immune system. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the thymus gland does not play a role in the maturation of B cells, platelets, or red blood cells, respectively.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Re-exposure to a specific antigen. Memory cells are formed after initial exposure to an antigen. Upon re-exposure to the same antigen, memory cells quickly recognize and respond, converting into plasma cells to produce antibodies. This process is known as secondary immune response. Incorrect choices: A: An organ transplant - Organ transplant does not involve the conversion of memory cells to plasma cells. C: Release of lymphokines - Lymphokines are signaling molecules secreted by immune cells but do not directly cause memory cells to convert to plasma cells. D: Initial exposure to an antigen - Initial exposure to an antigen leads to the formation of memory cells, not their conversion to plasma cells upon re-exposure.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP). PCP is the most common opportunistic infection in AIDS due to the weakened immune system, making patients vulnerable to this fungal infection. PCP is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in AIDS patients. Toxoplasmosis (B) is also common but not as prevalent as PCP in AIDS. Candidiasis (C) is a common fungal infection but not the most common in AIDS. Mycoplasma pneumoniae (D) is a bacterial infection and not typically considered an opportunistic infection in AIDS.