Thirty-two-year-old Jason is a general laborer, who fell ill shortly after working on a job digging up old water pipes for the town he lived in
The task involved working around shallow pools of stagnant water. Ten days after the contract ended, Jason developed a fever and aching muscles. He also had nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Jason's friend took him to his physician who listened carefully to Jason's history. She told him she suspected West Nile fever and ordered serological testing. Jason went home to recover and was feeling better by the end of the week.
Jason's physician ordered serological tests. How would antibody titers assist the doctor in confirming his diagnosis?
When Jason was feeling at his worst, he had extreme malaise, vomiting, and diarrhea. What stage of the illness was he experiencing at that time? What are the physiological mechanisms that give rise to the signs and symptoms of infectious illness?
West Nile virus has a single-stranded RNA genome. How does this virus replicate? In general terms, what are the various effects viruses can have on host cells?
Antibody titers (or levels) indicate the presence of infection. Certain titers are elevated during the acute phase of a specific illness and tend to decline during convalescence.
When Jason was feeling at his worst, he was experiencing the acute phase of the illness. At this time, there is rapid proliferation and spread of the pathogen within the body. Toxic by-products of microbial metabolism and cell lysis contribute to the specific signs and symptoms of the invading pathogen. The host's immune response generates inflammation and tissue damage, further adding to the clinical presentation.
Viruses have either a single DNA or RNA strand. In order to replicate, they require the genetic material of a host and cannot replicate outside of a living cell. Once in the host cell, they may replicate and migrate from the cell through "budding" or through cellular lysis. Alternatively, they may lie in a state of latency to create disease at a later time or alter the genetic material of the host cell to create malignant transformation.
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A woman was awakened one morning by a police officer after her husband died while jogging. For the next 3 days, the widow stoically went through the funeral ritual in a state of numbness. Friends tried to get her to vent her feelings by crying
Which statements offer likely explanations regarding the widow's inability to cry? Select all that apply. a. Psychologically unhealthy individuals are likely to have atypical grief reactions. b. The acute stage of grief involves shock and disbelief that may last for several days. c. Culture influences grief responses. Some groups view emotional displays negatively. d. The widow had anticipated her husband's death long before it occurred and completed her mourning. e. The unconscious use of denial is normal for several days after a loss. It protects the individual from the intolerable pain of loss.
Which statements made by a couple who have recently retired support the nurse's evaluation that the transition to retirement has been a successful one? (Select all that apply.)
a. "I'm afraid we can't make it that week-end; we'll be visiting the grandchildren." b. "I'm not accustomed to sharing my kitch-en with anyone else." c. "One week I was working 50 hours and the next I didn't have to get up until noon." d. "I often wonder if my buddies from the plant miss me." e. "We have found a few painless ways to reduce our monthly expenses."
The nurse is caring for a patient with a massive burn injury and possible hypovolemia. Which assessment data will be of most concern to the nurse?
a. Blood pressure is 90/40 mm Hg. b. Urine output is 30 mL over the last hour. c. Oral fluid intake is 100 mL for the last 8 hours. d. There is prolonged skin tenting over the sternum.
Active listening and body language work together. Which of the following actions does the nurse take in addition to actively listening to the client?
a. Sits facing the client b. Keeps the arms and legs crossed c. Leans back in the chair away from the client d. Avoids eye contact as much as possible