You obtain these assessment data while completing an admission for a patient with a history of a liver transplant who is receiving cyclosporine (Sandimmune),prednisone (Deltasone) and mycophenolate (CellCept) to suppress immune function. Which one will be of most concern?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of a patient with a history of liver transplant receiving immunosuppressive drugs like cyclosporine, prednisone, and mycophenolate, the most concerning assessment finding would be a non-tender swelling above the clavicle (Option C). This finding could indicate lymphadenopathy, which may suggest a potential infection or malignancy due to the compromised immune system of the patient. Option A, pink and swollen gums, could be associated with gingival hyperplasia, a known side effect of cyclosporine, but it is not as immediately concerning as lymphadenopathy. Option B, an increased blood glucose level, is a known side effect of prednisone but is a common and manageable issue in patients on corticosteroid therapy. Option D, pitting edema in the feet and ankles, is a potential side effect of cyclosporine but is not as indicative of a serious issue as the lymphadenopathy above the clavicle. In an educational context, understanding the importance of recognizing concerning assessment findings in patients on immunosuppressive therapy is crucial for nurses and healthcare providers to ensure timely intervention and prevent complications in this vulnerable population. Regular monitoring and prompt assessment of patients on these medications are essential to provide safe and effective care.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) Attracts the accumulation of neutrophils and monocytes to an area of injury. Chemotaxis is a crucial process in the immune response where certain chemicals attract immune cells like neutrophils and monocytes to the site of infection or injury. These cells are essential for fighting off pathogens and promoting tissue repair. By accumulating at the site of injury, neutrophils and monocytes can phagocytize pathogens, remove debris, and promote healing. Explanation of why others are wrong: A) Causes the transformation of monocytes into macrophages: While monocytes can differentiate into macrophages, chemotaxis specifically involves the migration of immune cells rather than transformation. B) Involves a pathway of chemical processes resulting in cellular lysis: Chemotaxis does not lead to cellular lysis but rather guides the movement of immune cells towards specific targets. D) Slows the blood flow in a damaged area, allowing migration of leukocytes into tissue: This statement describes the process of vasodilation and increased vascular permeability, which allows leukocytes to migrate, but it is not the function of chemotaxis itself. Educational context: Understanding the mechanism of chemotaxis is essential in pharmacology and immunology as it plays a fundamental role in the body's defense against infections and promoting tissue repair. By grasping how chemotaxis attracts immune cells to specific sites, healthcare professionals can better comprehend the immune response and pharmacological interventions aimed at modulating inflammation and immune reactions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Adherent gray necrotic tissue. In the red-yellow-black wound care concept, yellow wounds indicate the presence of exudate and possible infection. Adherent gray necrotic tissue is characteristic of a yellow wound, suggesting the need for debridement to remove the non-viable tissue and promote healing. Option A) Serosanguineous drainage is more commonly associated with a red wound, indicating the presence of fresh blood and active tissue healing. Option C) Clean, moist granulating tissue is typical of a healing wound, often seen in the red stage of wound care. Option D) Creamy ivory to yellow-green exudate is more indicative of a wound with purulent drainage, which is associated with infection and the black stage of wound care. Understanding wound classification is crucial for nurses to provide appropriate wound care interventions. By recognizing the characteristics of different wound stages, nurses can implement targeted treatments to promote healing and prevent complications. Deeper knowledge in wound assessment and care is essential for effective nursing practice in various healthcare settings.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) Ages of family members diagnosed with diseases. This information is crucial for the man to have as he prepares to get married because it can provide insight into potential hereditary conditions that he may be at risk for or may pass on to his children. Understanding the ages at which family members were diagnosed with diseases can help him and his future partner make informed decisions about genetic counseling, family planning, and lifestyle choices. Option A) Cholecystitis occurring in family members is not as relevant in this context as it is not typically a hereditary condition. It may not impact the man's future health or that of his children. Option B) Occurrence of prostate cancer in one uncle is important for the man's own health history but may not be as critical for his future marriage and family planning decisions unless there is a strong family history of prostate cancer. Option D) Kidney stones present in extended family members, while potentially indicating a genetic predisposition, may not be as significant as knowing the ages of family members diagnosed with diseases, which can provide a broader picture of potential hereditary risks. In an educational context, this question emphasizes the importance of understanding family health history in assessing genetic risks and making informed decisions about health and family planning. It highlights the role of pharmacological knowledge in considering genetic predispositions to diseases and the impact on individual and familial health outcomes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Gene therapy is a complex technique that involves introducing genetic material into a patient's cells to correct a genetic mutation or treat a disease. Option B, "Is a risky technique under study for genetic diseases with no cure," is the correct answer because gene therapy is still an experimental approach with potential risks and uncertainties, especially for genetic diseases that currently have no cure. This option highlights the investigational nature of gene therapy and the caution required in its application. Option A, "May activate a mutated gene that is functioning improperly," is incorrect because the goal of gene therapy is to correct or replace a mutated gene, not activate it further. Option C, "Is frequently done by replacing a healthy gene with a mutated gene," is incorrect because gene therapy aims to replace a mutated gene with a healthy one. Option D, "Introduces a new gene into reproductive cells to help fight a genetic disease," is incorrect as gene therapy is typically targeted at somatic cells rather than reproductive cells to treat genetic diseases in the individual, not to pass on genetic changes to future generations. In an educational context, understanding gene therapy is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially in fields like pharmacology where knowledge of cutting-edge treatments is essential. By grasping the principles of gene therapy, pharmacology students can appreciate the potential benefits and limitations of this approach in treating genetic diseases, paving the way for informed clinical decision-making in the future.