When assessing a patient with chronic anxiety, the nurse notes that the patient also suffers from frequent infections. Which is most likely the reason for the patient's frequent infections?
1. Trait anxiety leads to immune system compromise.
2. Trait anxiety is a defense mechanism for psychological illness.
3. Proteins released by immune cells indirectly influence brain activity.
4. Psychological illness occurs due to a lack of interpersonal relationships, resulting in manifestations of physiological illness.
Answer: 1
Explanation: Factors affecting mental illnesses are thought to include a combination of genetic, environmental, psychological, and developmental influences. Chronic anxiety (also known as trait anxiety) leads to immune system compromise. Trait anxiety is not a defense mechanism. Cytokines are proteins released by immune cells that influence brain activity; however, these proteins directly, not indirectly, influence brain activity. Alterations of interpersonal relationships and their connection to psychological illness are not likely to result in infection.
You might also like to view...
The nurse is reviewing a patient's chart prior to administering gentamycin (Garamycin) and notes that the last serum peak drug level was 9 mcg/mL and the last trough level was 2 mcg/mL. What action will the nurse take?
a. Administer the next dose as ordered. b. Obtain repeat peak and trough levels before giving the next dose. c. Report possible drug toxicity to the patient's provider. d. Report a decreased drug therapeutic level to the patient's provider.
Select the priority nursing intervention when caring for a patient after an overdose of amphetamines
a. Monitor vital signs. b. Observe for depression. c. Awaken the patient every 15 minutes. d. Use warmers to maintain body temperature.
A 3-month-old infant, born at 38 weeks of gestation, will hold a rattle if it is put in her hands, but she will not voluntarily grasp it. The nurse should interpret this as:
a. normal development. b. significant developmental lag. c. slightly delayed development due to prematurity. d. suggestive of a neurologic disorder such as cerebral palsy.
Which of the following is not a reason why ethics is central to leadership?
a. The process of influence. b. The impact leaders have on establishing the organization's values. c. The need to engage followers to accomplish mutual goals. d. The existence of bottom-up communication.