Which of the following laboratory findings is characteristic of a patient with a diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is typically confirmed through an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) during pregnancy. In GDM, the 2-hour plasma glucose level during the OGTT is equal to or greater than 140 mg/dL. This finding is characteristic of GDM and distinguishes it from other types of diabetes. Fasting blood glucose ≥126 mg/dL is diagnostic of diabetes mellitus outside of pregnancy, not specifically GDM. Random plasma glucose ≥200 mg/dL is indicative of uncontrolled diabetes in general. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≥6.5% is used for diagnosing diabetes outside of pregnancy and is not specific to GDM.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Breast tenderness is a hallmark symptom of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which occurs in the days leading up to menstruation. This symptom is often associated with hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle. Women may experience increased sensitivity and soreness in their breasts, making them feel tender or swollen. It is a common symptom of PMS and can vary in severity from one individual to another. Pelvic pain, postmenopausal bleeding, and dyspareunia are not typically considered hallmark symptoms of PMS.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that play a crucial role in immune defense against pathogens, particularly in phagocytosis - the process by which they engulf and destroy invading microorganisms. In a severe fungal infection, impaired neutrophil function would most likely affect their ability to effectively perform phagocytosis, leading to a compromised immune response against the fungal pathogen. This would result in increased susceptibility to the infection and potentially severe outcomes for the patient. Antibody production, cytokine secretion, and mast cell degranulation are important components of the immune response, but neutrophils are primarily responsible for phagocytosis in the innate immune system.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Macrophages are the primary cells responsible for producing tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) during the acute phase response. TNF-α is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a critical role in initiating and propagating the inflammatory response. Macrophages secrete TNF-α in response to infection, injury, or other inflammatory stimuli, contributing to the recruitment of immune cells and the activation of additional inflammatory pathways. In the context of the acute phase response, macrophages are key mediators of the immune response and play a crucial role in host defense mechanisms.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a group of cellular receptors responsible for recognizing pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), which are molecular components commonly found on pathogens like bacteria and viruses. When TLRs recognize these PAMPs, they initiate signaling pathways that trigger the innate immune response, leading to inflammation, antimicrobial defense, and the activation of adaptive immunity. B cell receptors (BCRs) and T cell receptors (TCRs) are involved in adaptive immune responses and recognize specific antigens rather than PAMPs. Fc receptors primarily bind to the Fc portion of antibodies and are involved in antibody-mediated immune responses. Thus, TLRs specifically play a critical role in sensing and responding to pathogens through the recognition of PAMPs.