Immune & Infectious Disease MCQs for Nursing Exams

Answer: A. "If I forget a dose, it's no big deal; I'll just take it when I remember it."

The statement, "If I forget a dose, it's no big deal, I'll just take it when I remember it," indicates a knowledge deficit. The nurse should reinforce that the patient should take dexamethasone as prescribed and at the same time each day. The drug has to be tapered off and cannot be stopped abruptly. The primary care provider should be notified when the patient is under additional stress (eg, infection, surgery, illness). The patient can have an allergic reaction to inactive ingredients contained in dexamethasone.

Answer: D. Dry the skin thoroughly by patting

A. Moisturizing lotions, not astringents, are applied. Astringent lotions have an alcohol base, which is drying to the patient's skin. B. The skin should be inspected daily for any breakdown or rashes. C. The skin should be washed with mild soap, rinsed, and patted dry. Rubbing can cause abrasions and skin breakdown. D. The stem does not tell the test taker the patient is itching, and SLE does not have itching as a symptom. Lotions are not usually applied between the toes because this fosters the development of a fungal infection between the toes.

Answer: D. Fever, cough, and shortness of breath

A. Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) occurs in approximately 75% to 80% of patients diagnosed with AIDS. Signs/symptoms of it include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. B. This is an opportunistic infection, but it is not the most common infection. C. These are signs/symptoms of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), which affects up to 25% of patient's with AIDS, but it is not the most common opportunistic infection. D. These are signs/symptoms of Kaposi's sarcoma, which is the most common cancer associated with AIDS; it is not an infectious disease.

Answer: B. Salmonella

Annually in the United States, Salmonella species contaminate approximately 2.2 million eggs (1 in 20,000 eggs) and one in eight chickens raised as meat. Diarrhea with gastroenteritis is a common manifestation associated with Salmonella. Recent outbreaks of E. coli have been associated with ingestion of undercooked beef. Shigella spreads through the fecaloral route, with easy transmission from one person to another. People infected with Giardia lambliacontract the disease by drinking contaminated water.

Answer: A. Hyperdynamic phase

The hyperdynamic phase, the first phase of septic shock, is characterized by high cardiac output with systemic vasodilation. The BP may remain within normal limits, but the heart rate increases to tachycardia, and the patient becomes febrile. Content-Emergency; Category of Health Alteration-Shock; Integrated Process-Diagnosis; Patient Needs-Safe Effective Care Environment, Management of Care; Cognitive Level-Analysis.