Which of the following risk factors presents the greatest threat for respiratory disease?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Smoking. Smoking presents the greatest threat for respiratory disease due to the harmful chemicals in tobacco that can damage the lungs and lead to conditions like COPD and lung cancer. Smoking is a well-known risk factor for various respiratory issues. Exposure to radiation (B) can increase cancer risk but is not as directly linked to respiratory diseases. High-fat diet (C) may impact overall health but is not a primary risk factor for respiratory diseases. Alcohol consumption (D) can contribute to respiratory issues, but smoking is considered the most significant risk factor.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Ankylosing spondylitis. This disease process is characterized by chronic progressive inflammation of the sacroiliac and costovertebral joints and adjacent soft tissue. Ankylosing spondylitis specifically affects the spine and large joints. Rheumatoid arthritis (A) is characterized by joint inflammation and primarily affects small joints. Scoliosis (B) is a condition characterized by an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, not inflammation of the sacroiliac and costovertebral joints. Kyphosis (C) is an excessive outward curvature of the spine, not related to inflammation of the sacroiliac and costovertebral joints.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 3, 4, 2005. HIV can be transmitted through breast milk, blood, and semen due to the presence of the virus in these bodily fluids. Saliva, tears, and other body fluids do not typically contain enough of the virus to transmit HIV. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they include saliva, tears, and other non-transmissible fluids. It is crucial for the nurse to educate the patient on the modes of transmission to prevent the spread of HIV.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B (AB). AB blood type is the rarest because it is a result of inheriting both A and B alleles, making it less common in the population. AB individuals can only receive blood from other AB individuals due to their unique antigens. Blood types A, B, and O are more common in the population, with O being the most common as it is the universal donor. Blood type A and B are more common than AB since they only require one allele for their respective antigens. Thus, the rarity of AB blood type is due to the inheritance of both A and B alleles, making it the least common among the choices provided.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: “I will receive parenteral vitamin B12 therapy for the rest of my life.” This statement is correct because pernicious anemia is a lifelong condition requiring ongoing vitamin B12 supplementation. Patients with pernicious anemia lack intrinsic factor, which is needed to absorb vitamin B12 from food. Therefore, they need lifelong B12 therapy to prevent complications such as anemia and neurological damage. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they suggest a limited duration of therapy. Pernicious anemia is a chronic condition that necessitates continuous treatment. Choice A implies therapy until signs and symptoms disappear, which may not address the underlying cause of the deficiency. Choice B mentions therapy until vitamin B12 levels normalize, which may not prevent recurrence. Choice C suggests monthly therapy for a fixed period, which may not be sufficient for lifelong management.