Which of the following is a common complication of untreated gonorrhea or chlamydia infection in women?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Ectopic pregnancy is a common complication of untreated gonorrhea or chlamydia infection in women. This occurs when a fertilized egg implants and grows outside the uterus, typically in one of the fallopian tubes. Both gonorrhea and chlamydia can lead to scarring of the fallopian tubes due to untreated inflammation and infection. This scarring may obstruct the fallopian tubes, making it difficult for the fertilized egg to travel to the uterus for implantation. As a result, the egg may implant and grow in the fallopian tube, leading to an ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancies are dangerous and can result in serious complications for the woman, including rupture of the fallopian tube, internal bleeding, and potentially life-threatening situations. It is crucial to seek prompt treatment for gonorrhea and chlamydia to prevent such severe outcomes.

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: Opsonization refers to the process by which antibodies bind to the surface of pathogens, marking them for destruction by phagocytes or complement proteins. This coating of antibodies enhances the ability of the immune system to recognize and eliminate the pathogens effectively. Phagocytes (such as macrophages and neutrophils) are better able to engulf and digest pathogens that have been opsonized, as the antibodies attached to the pathogen surface signal to the phagocytes that they are foreign invaders. This process is crucial in the body's immune response to infections and helps in clearing pathogens from the system.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In a patient with ARDS who is experiencing refractory hypoxemia despite maximal ventilatory support and prone positioning, the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a potentially life-saving adjunctive therapy. ECMO works by providing temporary support for gas exchange outside the body, allowing the lungs to rest and heal while providing adequate oxygenation and carbon dioxide removal. The use of ECMO has been associated with improved oxygenation and reduced mortality in severe cases of ARDS, especially in patients who fail conventional therapies. High-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) has not consistently shown mortality benefit in ARDS, continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is not directly indicated for hypoxemia in ARDS, and inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) has shown limited benefit in improving oxygenation in ARDS without a clear impact on mortality.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a serious and life-threatening condition characterized by rapid onset of respiratory failure, severe hypoxemia (low oxygen levels in the blood), and non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema. The hallmark of ARDS is severe hypoxemia that is difficult to correct even with high levels of supplemental oxygen. Patients with ARDS often require mechanical ventilation to maintain adequate oxygen levels. Severe cough with purulent sputum production, chest pain exacerbated by deep breathing, and productive cough with hemoptysis are not typical features of ARDS.