A patient is diagnosed with valvular heart disease after ...

[RYAN BANYAN]

A patient is diagnosed with valvular heart disease after experiencing rheumatic heart fever. The nurse understands this disorder is caused by what action?
 
  1. molecular mimicry
  2. release of hidden antigens into the circulation
  3. biologic changes that cause self-antigens to produce autoantibodies
  4. autoimmune response by slow-growing mycobacteria

Question 2

A patient develops a fever, rash, joint and muscle pain, and swollen lymph nodes after receiving a sulfonamide. What should these symptoms suggest to the nurse?
 
  1. serum sickness
  2. exacerbation of a disease process
  3. acute influenza
  4. subacute rheumatoid arthritis

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Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1

The introduction of an antigen whose properties closely resemble those of host tissue results in the production of antibodies that target not only the foreign antigen but also normal tissue. This is considered molecular mimicry. Heart damage in rheumatic fever is an example of the development of antibodies against normal tissue. The other choices are explanations for the development of autoimmune disorders, but they do not describe the physiology of heart damage after rheumatic heart fever.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1

Manifestations of serum sickness include fever, urticaria or rash, arthralgias, myalgias, and lymphadenopathy. Serum sickness can occur in response to some drugs, such as penicillin and sulfonamides. The patient is not experiencing an exacerbation of a disease process, acute influenza, or subacute rheumatoid arthritis.

[RYAN BANYAN]

TYSM

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