Please read the clinical scenario, and then answer the question that follow to become familiar with the traditional NCLEX question format.
Marie is a 57-year-old female who is on your general medical-surgical unit with a bladder infection. Two weeks ago, she was having slight burning upon urination. She self-treated with an increased intake of cranberry juice, but did not see any improvement. In fact, her symptoms got worse. Last week, she developed generalized abdominal pain and a mid-grade fever. She did not come into the hospital until the pain was unbearable and she had a fever of 104F. She was admitted to your unit and started on multiple IV antibiotics. The doctors say that she could be developing a kidney infection.
-What previous lines of defense have been breached in Marie's case?

Question

Please read the clinical scenario, and then answer the question that follow to become familiar with the traditional NCLEX question format.
  Marie is a 57-year-old female who is on your general medical-surgical unit with a bladder infection. Two weeks ago, she was having slight burning upon urination. She self-treated with an increased intake of cranberry juice, but did not see any improvement. In fact, her symptoms got worse. Last week, she developed generalized abdominal pain and a mid-grade fever. She did not come into the hospital until the pain was unbearable and she had a fever of 104F. She was admitted to your unit and started on multiple IV antibiotics. The doctors say that she could be developing a kidney infection.
-What previous lines of defense have been breached in Marie's case?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Marie's bladder infection indicates that her first line of defense (skin and mucous membranes) was breached. The fact that her abdominal pain and fever developed suggests that her second line of defense (innate immune system) was also breached. Additionally, the doctors suspect that she may be developing a kidney infection, which would further confirm that her second line of defense has been breached. Option A is incorrect because both lines of defense have been breached. Option B is incorrect because her intact barrier system was not sufficient to prevent infection. Option D is incorrect because all individuals have multiple lines of defense against infections.

Please Read the Clinical Scenario, and Then Answer the Question