Pathophysiology Test III

Platelets are small cell fragments in the blood that help with clotting and preventing excessive bleeding. When there is a deficiency of platelets, it can lead to easy bruising and ecchymosis, which are the medical terms for the appearance of bruises on the skin. This is because platelets play a crucial role in forming blood clots to stop bleeding. Therefore, a deficiency in platelets can result in the inability to form clots effectively, leading to easy bruising and the appearance of ecchymosis.

The structure commonly called the windpipe is the trachea. The trachea is a tube-like structure that connects the throat to the lungs and allows air to pass through. It is composed of cartilage rings that provide support and prevent collapse. The trachea is responsible for conducting air in and out of the lungs during breathing.

The statement is false because smoking is the leading cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a progressive lung disease that is primarily caused by long-term exposure to tobacco smoke, including both active smoking and secondhand smoke. Smoking damages the airways and lungs, leading to inflammation, narrowing of the airways, and the development of COPD. Other factors such as genetics and environmental exposures may also contribute to the development of COPD, but smoking remains the most significant risk factor.

The patient's symptoms of dizziness, palor, and weakness, along with the blood examination findings of pale and small RBCs (microcytic), suggest iron deficiency anemia. Iron is necessary for the production of hemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen. A diet mainly composed of tea and toast may lack sufficient iron, leading to iron deficiency. Vitamin C deficiency, folic acid deficiency, and vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause anemia, but the given symptoms and blood examination findings are more indicative of iron deficiency.

Rhinitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the nasal passages, causing symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and itching. The upper respiratory tract includes the nose, nasal cavity, sinuses, and throat. Since rhinitis specifically affects the nasal passages, it is associated with the upper respiratory tract. The lower respiratory tract includes the bronchioles and alveoli, which are not directly involved in rhinitis. Therefore, the correct answer is the upper respiratory tract.

Emphysema is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease characterized by the destruction of the alveoli walls in the lungs. This leads to the formation of larger air sacs, reducing the surface area available for gas exchange. As a result, the lung's ability to take in oxygen and remove carbon dioxide is impaired. This process is known as the pathophysiology of emphysema. Therefore, the statement "The Pathophysiology of emphysema involves destruction of the alveoli wall and the alveoli fuse to form a large air sac" is true.

Hemophilia is a genetic disorder that affects the blood's ability to clot properly. Due to a deficiency in clotting factors, individuals with hemophilia are more prone to experiencing deep bleeding. This can occur both internally and externally, leading to prolonged bleeding episodes even from minor injuries. Therefore, it is true that hemophilia tends to produce deep bleeding.

The statement is true because there is currently no known cure for the common cold. While there are various remedies and treatments available to alleviate symptoms, such as over-the-counter medications, rest, and fluids, these measures only provide temporary relief and do not eliminate the cold virus from the body. Therefore, the best approach is to focus on managing and treating the symptoms rather than expecting a complete cure.

The correct answer is 120 days because red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, have an average lifespan of approximately 120 days in the human body. These cells are continuously produced in the bone marrow and play a crucial role in transporting oxygen to tissues and removing carbon dioxide. Over time, old or damaged red blood cells are removed from circulation by the spleen and liver, and new ones are generated to replace them. This turnover process ensures the maintenance of a healthy red blood cell population in the body.

The statement "hypochromic RBCs means pale cells" is true. Hypochromic RBCs refer to red blood cells that have a decreased amount of hemoglobin, which is the pigment responsible for the red color of the cells. As a result, these cells appear pale or less red in color. This condition can be indicative of various types of anemia or other underlying health issues.

Surfactant is the correct answer because it reduces the surface tension of the alveoli, preventing them from collapsing. Without surfactant, the surface tension would be too high and the alveoli would collapse, making it difficult for gas exchange to occur in the lungs.

Asthmatic spasms occur in the bronchioles. The bronchioles are the small airways in the respiratory tract that branch off from the bronchi. During an asthma attack, these bronchioles become inflamed and constricted, making it difficult for air to pass through. This leads to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Managing asthma involves reducing inflammation in the bronchioles and opening up the airways to alleviate symptoms.

The given statement is false. Polycythemia actually refers to an increase in the number of red blood cells (RBCs), not a decrease. This condition can occur due to various factors, such as bone marrow disorders or chronic hypoxia. An increased RBC count can lead to thickening of the blood and potentially cause complications like blood clots or organ damage. Therefore, the correct answer is false.

COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is a respiratory condition characterized by airflow limitation. It includes various respiratory disorders such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, while bronchitis refers to the inflammation of the bronchial tubes. Emphysema, on the other hand, is a condition where the air sacs in the lungs are damaged, leading to difficulty in breathing. Therefore, all of these respiratory disorders are encompassed within the category of COPD.

Hemophilia is an X-linked recessive bleeding disorder that primarily affects males. This means that the gene mutation responsible for hemophilia is located on the X chromosome, and since males have only one X chromosome, they are more likely to inherit and express the disorder. Von Willebrand's disease is also a bleeding disorder, but it is not X-linked recessive and can affect both males and females. ITP (Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura) is an autoimmune disorder that leads to low platelet counts and increased risk of bleeding, but it is not X-linked. Therefore, the correct answer is Hemophilia.

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder. In this condition, the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys platelets, which are essential for blood clotting. The term "idiopathic" means that the cause of ITP is unknown. However, it is believed to occur when the immune system produces antibodies that target platelets, leading to their destruction. This autoimmune response can result in symptoms such as easy bruising, bleeding gums, and petechiae (small red or purple spots on the skin). Therefore, the statement that ITP is autoimmune is true.

Petechia is a small red or purple spot on the skin caused by bleeding under the skin. It is a common sign of thrombocytopenia, which is a condition characterized by a low platelet count. Platelets are necessary for blood clotting, so a decrease in their numbers can result in easy bruising and bleeding. Therefore, petechia is the correct answer as it accurately represents the given sign and its association with thrombocytopenia.

The correct answer is neutropenia. Neutropenia is a blood disorder characterized by a decrease in the number of neutrophils, which are a type of white blood cells that play a crucial role in fighting off infections. Cancer chemotherapy can suppress the immune system and inhibit the production of neutrophils in the bone marrow, leading to neutropenia. This condition increases the susceptibility to infections, as the body's ability to defend against pathogens is compromised.

Pleursy is not a COPD because it is not a chronic respiratory disease. Pleursy, also known as pleurisy, is inflammation of the lining of the lungs and chest cavity, causing sharp chest pain and difficulty breathing. It is not a long-term condition like COPD, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Asthma is also a chronic respiratory disease characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, while bronchitis and emphysema are both types of COPD.

Pharyngitis is not a lower respiratory disease because it is an inflammation of the pharynx, which is part of the upper respiratory system. Lower respiratory diseases affect the structures below the larynx, such as the trachea, bronchi, and lungs. Pneumonia, tracheitis, and bronchitis all involve infections or inflammation in the lower respiratory tract, making them lower respiratory diseases.

Pneumonia can be caused by both bacteria and viruses. Bacterial pneumonia occurs when bacteria infect the lungs, leading to inflammation and symptoms such as cough, fever, and difficulty breathing. Viral pneumonia, on the other hand, is caused by viruses such as influenza or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). These viruses invade the lungs and cause inflammation and respiratory symptoms. Therefore, it is correct to say that pneumonia can be caused by both bacteria and viruses, hence the answer "all of the above".

Plasma is the correct answer because it makes up the largest component of human blood. It is a yellowish fluid that carries various substances such as nutrients, hormones, waste products, and antibodies throughout the body. Plasma also plays a crucial role in maintaining blood pressure and regulating body temperature. While red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets (PLT) are important components of blood, they make up a smaller percentage compared to plasma.

Cilia are small hair-like structures that line the respiratory tube in the lower airways. These cilia constantly beat in a coordinated manner, creating a wave-like motion that helps to move mucus and trapped particles out of the respiratory system. This helps to clean and protect the airways, preventing the buildup of mucus and potential infections. Therefore, cilia are the correct answer to the question.

Basophils are a type of white blood cell that produces histamine. Histamine is a chemical mediator that plays a role in the immune response, particularly in allergic reactions. When basophils are activated, they release histamine into the surrounding tissues, causing inflammation and other allergic symptoms. This makes basophils the correct answer for the cell that produces histamine. Neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes are also types of white blood cells, but they do not produce histamine.

Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia can lead to megaloblastic anemia. Megaloblastic anemia is characterized by the production of large, immature red blood cells called megaloblasts. This type of anemia occurs when there is a deficiency of vitamin B12, which is essential for the normal production of red blood cells. Without enough vitamin B12, the red blood cells cannot divide properly and mature, leading to the production of large, abnormal cells. This can result in symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.

Iron deficiency anemia is actually a microcytic type of anemia, not macrocytic. In this condition, the red blood cells are smaller than normal. This is because iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in the blood. When there is a deficiency of iron, the body is unable to produce enough hemoglobin, leading to smaller red blood cells. Therefore, the statement that iron deficiency anemia is of a macrocytic type is false.

Vitamin B12 deficiency is not best treated by oral Vitamin B12. The reason is that oral supplementation may not be effective for individuals with absorption issues or certain medical conditions. In such cases, alternative methods of treatment such as intramuscular injections or nasal sprays may be more effective in delivering Vitamin B12 directly into the bloodstream. Therefore, the statement that oral Vitamin B12 is the best treatment for Vitamin B12 deficiency is false.

von Willebrand's disease is the correct answer because it is a genetic disorder that results in defects in platelet adhesion. This disease is caused by a deficiency or dysfunction of von Willebrand factor, a protein that plays a crucial role in platelet adhesion and clot formation. Without proper platelet adhesion, individuals with von Willebrand's disease may experience prolonged bleeding and easy bruising. Hemophilia A, thrombocytosis, and thrombocytopenia are not associated with defects in platelet adhesion.

Heme is the correct answer because it is the actual carrier of oxygen found within a protein structure. Hemoglobin, on the other hand, is a protein that contains heme and is responsible for carrying oxygen in red blood cells. Plasma clotting protein is not involved in oxygen transport, and "none of these" is an incorrect option as heme is indeed the carrier of oxygen within a protein structure.

Based on the given information, the patient's diet mainly consists of overcooked vegetables, bread, and lean meats. Folic acid deficiency anemia occurs when there is a lack of folic acid in the diet. Folic acid is found in green leafy vegetables, fruits, and fortified cereals, which are not mentioned in the patient's diet. Therefore, the patient is likely to have folic acid deficiency anemia.

Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that play a critical role in the immune response by defending tissues against bacterial and fungal infections. They are highly efficient at engulfing and destroying pathogens through a process called phagocytosis. Neutrophils are among the first immune cells to arrive at the site of infection and release antimicrobial substances to kill the invading microorganisms. Their ability to quickly respond to infections and their potent antimicrobial properties make neutrophils an essential component of the body's defense against bacterial and fungal infections.

Folic acid anemia does not usually have neurologic symptoms. Neurologic symptoms are more commonly associated with vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. Folic acid deficiency anemia typically presents with symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, pale skin, and a decreased ability to fight infections. Neurologic symptoms, such as numbness, tingling, and difficulty walking, are more commonly seen in vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. Therefore, the statement that folic acid anemia usually has neurologic symptoms is false.