ATI RN
Immune System Quizlet Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which one of the following processes emerged earliest during the course of evolution?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Phagocytosis. Phagocytosis is a fundamental process that emerged early in evolution for cellular organisms to engulf and digest particles. This process is essential for basic survival and defense mechanisms. A: Antigen presentation and B: Antibody production are more advanced immune responses that occur in higher organisms and require a complex immune system. D: Thymic education is a process specific to vertebrates involving the maturation and selection of T cells, which is a more evolved mechanism compared to phagocytosis. Therefore, phagocytosis is the earliest process among the options listed as it is essential for basic cellular survival and predates the development of advanced immune responses.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient being tested for rheumatoid arthritis. In reviewing laboratory values, which should the nurse recognize as being diagnostic of rheumatoid arthritis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because an elevated C-reactive protein level indicates inflammation, which is a key feature of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid factor (choice B) is positive in only 70-80% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, so a negative result does not rule out the disease. White blood cell count (choice C) and antinuclear antibody test (choice D) are not specific to rheumatoid arthritis. In summary, an elevated C-reactive protein level is a more reliable indicator of the disease compared to the other options provided.
Question 3 of 5
A patient prescribed corticosteroids for arthritis is surprised to learn of an immune disorder. What should the nurse explain as the reason for the patient not demonstrating typical signs of immune dysfunction?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because corticosteroids are known to suppress the immune system by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and preventing the activation of immune cells. This suppression can lead to a decreased immune response, making it less likely for the patient to exhibit typical signs of immune dysfunction. A: The arthritis masking the immune response is not a plausible explanation as arthritis does not directly affect immune function. B: Corticosteroids do not cause the thymus gland to malfunction; they mainly impact immune response at the cellular level. C: Arthritis affecting immunoglobulin function is not a common mechanism of immune dysfunction in this context.
Question 4 of 5
Which group(s) of microorganisms is (are) thought to be the oldest living organisms?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Archaea. Archaea are thought to be the oldest living organisms due to their unique characteristics and genetic similarities to the earliest forms of life. They are known for thriving in extreme environments, resembling conditions on early Earth. Other choices are incorrect because eukaryotes are more complex and evolved later, heterotrophic prokaryotes came after autotrophic prokaryotes, and viruses are not considered living organisms.
Question 5 of 5
Rolling circle replication refers to:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rolling circle replication is a mechanism commonly observed in DNA transfer during bacterial conjugation. The process involves the transfer of a single strand of DNA that acts as a template for the synthesis of a complementary strand in the recipient cell. This results in the formation of a circular DNA molecule in the recipient cell. This mechanism is distinct from the semiconservative replication seen in prokaryotic cell division (Choice A), the cell division process of mitosis (Choice C), and the reduction division of meiosis (Choice D). Rolling circle replication is specific to the transfer of genetic material between bacterial cells during conjugation, making Choice B the correct answer.