Question 1

With mortality rates for septic shock patients at or near 50% in the United States,every year important alternative supportive therapy is used.Which of the methods listed below is mismatched to the physiological variable it is intended to target in the patient's health?

Accepted Answer

Cortisol blocking agents would not promote vasodilation but rather inhibit it, since cortisol itself has a vasoconstrictive effect. Therefore, this method is mismatched to the physiological variable it is intended to target in the patient's health. The other options are all correctly matched to their intended targets: paralysis of respiratory muscles reduces oxygen demand, glucocorticoids reduce stress responses, cortisol inhibits inflammation, and norepinephrine increases blood pressure via vasoconstriction.

Question 2

A reliable sign of infection is pus,which is also a sign that a defensive immune reaction is taking place.An analysis of pus would show it to be composed of which of these infection fighting agents?

Accepted Answer

Pus is composed of dead tissue debris, white blood cells (particularly neutrophils), and other infection-fighting agents such as macrophages. Necrotic cells are dead cells that result from tissue damage, but they do not actively participate in the immune response. Histamine is a chemical released in response to an allergic reaction, and not necessarily present in pus. Red blood cells and interstitial fluids are not usually present in pus.

Question 3

Seldom does a disease state related to human physiology have associated effects on more than one of the major organ systems at the same time.

Accepted Answer

It is not uncommon for diseases to affect more than one of the major organ systems at the same time. For example, diabetes can affect the cardiovascular, nervous, and renal systems. Similarly, inflammatory bowel disease can affect the gastrointestinal, skin, and musculoskeletal systems.

Question 4

In the inflammatory immune response one hallmark of action is increased permeability of tissue capillaries leading to infiltration of plasma and plasma proteins into the interstitial fluids around the lungs.Consequently fluid accumulates within the lung and

Accepted Answer

Fluid accumulation in the lungs impairs gas exchange, leading to increased arterial pCO₂ due to reduced removal of CO₂ from the blood.

Question 5

While occurring in less than 3% of the population,some individuals can inherit a condition known as hypercoagulability,directly related to a resistance in an activated blood protein.

Accepted Answer

Hypercoagulability can be inherited due to a resistance in an activated blood protein.

Question 6

Norepinephrine and vasopressin are used therapeutically to

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine and vasopressin are both used as vasopressors to increase blood pressure in cases of shock or hypotension.

Question 7

The practice of medicine can best be described as a skill which requires one to memorize the specific treatment called for in every conceivable disease state.

Accepted Answer

The practice of medicine involves a combination of skills including but not limited to diagnosis, critical thinking, communication, empathy, and treatment planning. While memorization of treatment protocols is important, it is just one aspect of practicing medicine.

Question 8

The high mortality rates in patients with septic shock (40%-60%)demand that vital physiological parameters be monitored.Which of those listed below are most likely to offer the first signs that an individual is experiencing septic shock?

Accepted Answer

Fever or an increase in body temperature is a common symptom of sepsis and may be among the first signs of septic shock. This is because sepsis triggers the immune system to release chemicals that raise body temperature. Monitoring fever can, therefore, help in early detection of septic shock.

Question 9

When treating the initial stages of an infection

Accepted Answer

A broad spectrum antibiotic is often used initially to cover a wide range of possible pathogens and is replaced with a more targeted antibiotic once the specific infectious agent is identified.

Question 10

Chest pain and shortness of breath is rarely,if ever,indicative of any other physiological disorder other than myocardial infarction.

Accepted Answer

While chest pain and shortness of breath are common symptoms of a myocardial infarction (heart attack), they can also be indicative of other physiological disorders such as pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, or anxiety. It is important to seek medical attention and receive a proper diagnosis.

Question 11

Coming to terms with the cause(s)of disease must often begin with recognition of the physiological process(es)associated with a particular symptom or sign and working through the cause and effect relationships integrated through interactions between multiple organ systems.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true, as coming to terms with the cause(s) of disease often involves understanding the physiological processes behind symptoms and signs, and how multiple organ systems interact to cause disease.

Question 12

Recent,short-term,respiratory alkalosis is characterized by failure to eliminate carbon dioxide as quickly as it is produced by compensatory reflexive responses in rate and depth of ventilation.

Accepted Answer

Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by an increase in the pH of the blood due to a decrease in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2). This can occur when there is an increase in the rate and depth of ventilation, which leads to the elimination of carbon dioxide from the body more quickly than it is produced.

Question 13

Increased levels of lactate in the blood indicate

Accepted Answer

Increased levels of lactate in the blood indicate that the cells are relying more on anaerobic ATP synthesis rather than aerobic metabolism. This can occur when there is a lack of oxygen available to the cells or when cellular oxygen utilization is impaired. Anaerobic metabolism generates lactate as a byproduct, which accumulates in the bloodstream leading to increased lactate levels.

Question 14

To experience the effects of septic shock due to a bacterial infection,one must have viable reproducing microorganisms present in the bloodstream.

Accepted Answer

The answer of To experience the effects of septic shock...

Question 15

Septic shock is the most common type of vasodilatory shock,very frequently associated with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.The primary cause for concern in cases such as this is

Accepted Answer

Septic shock is triggered by the release of immune inflammatory mediators, which results in decreased peripheral circulation and potential edema. This also leads to reduced peripheral blood pressure, which impairs venous return and impedes arterial flow to organs, causing multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Therefore, both choice C and D are correct. Choice A is incorrect because septic shock is not always accompanied by major hemorrhage, and choice B is incorrect because chemical mediators involved in promoting the immune response may actually cause vasodilation and decrease blood pressure.

Question 16

In the scenario of the patient with peritonitis caused by appendicitis,the appendix is surgically removed and the abdominal organs are given a thorough washing with saline and antibiotics.Why was this done?

Accepted Answer

The washing with saline and antibiotics is done to reduce the number of bacterial cells and toxins present in the abdomen, flushing them out of the area. This helps to prevent further infection and inflammation, and promote healing.

Question 17

Immediate therapeutic interventions in the treatment of septic shock as a consequence of infection are aimed at the priority of relieving _____,which could lead to multisystem organ failure throughout the body,by improving _____.

Accepted Answer

Septic shock can lead to tissue hypoxia, which can in turn lead to multiorgan failure. The immediate therapeutic interventions should aim at improving tissue perfusion and oxygenation by improving mean arterial blood pressure.

Quiz 19: Medical Physiology: Integration Using Clinical Cases