Influenza: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management

Question 1

Which of the following is the primary mechanism by which influenza virus causes damage to respiratory cells?

Accepted Answer

Direct cytopathic destruction

Answer

Induction of a pro-inflammatory response

Answer

Inhibition of interferon production

Answer

Damage to pulmonary surfactant

Question 2

Which of the following symptoms is the most common initial manifestation of influenza infection?

Accepted Answer

Fever

Answer

Shortness of breath

Answer

Hemoptysis

Answer

Pleuritic chest pain

Question 3

Which of the following antiviral medications is the recommended first-line therapy for uncomplicated influenza in adults?

Accepted Answer

Oseltamivir

Answer

Ribavirin

Answer

Amantadine

Answer

Zanamivir

Question 4

Which is the primary mode of transmission for influenza?

Accepted Answer

Close contact with an infected person who coughs or sneezes

Answer

Eating contaminated food

Answer

Insect bites

Answer

Touching contaminated surfaces

Question 5

What is the main pathophysiological mechanism of influenza infection in respiratory cells?

Accepted Answer

Fusion of the viral envelope with host cell membranes, allowing viral entry

Answer

Direct penetration of the viral genome into host cells

Answer

Endocytosis of the virus by host cells

Answer

Transduction of host cell RNA by viral enzymes

Question 6

Which of the following is a common clinical manifestation of influenza?

Accepted Answer

Fever, chills, and muscle aches

Answer

Skin rash and joint pain

Answer

Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

Answer

Neurological symptoms, such as confusion

Question 7

What is the recommended diagnostic test for influenza during the acute phase of illness?

Accepted Answer

Rapid influenza antigen test

Answer

Viral culture

Answer

Serological testing (antibody detection)

Answer

Chest X-ray

Question 8

Which antiviral medication is most effective for treating uncomplicated influenza in adults?

Accepted Answer

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)

Answer

Zanamivir (Relenza)

Answer

Ribavirin (Virazole)

Answer

Acyclovir (Zovirax)

Question 9

According to the CDC, what is the recommended duration of isolation for patients with suspected or confirmed influenza?

Accepted Answer

For 5 days after symptom onset

Answer

Until their symptoms resolve

Answer

For 7 days after symptom onset

Answer

For 10 days after symptom onset

Question 10

Precise: What is the primary mode of transmission for influenza virus?

Accepted Answer

Airborne droplets

Answer

Fecal-oral route

Answer

Contact with infected surfaces

Answer

Blood transfusion

Question 11

Clear: Select the unique clinical feature of influenza NOT typically seen in other viral respiratory infections:

Accepted Answer

Prolonged fever

Answer

Myalgias

Answer

Headache

Answer

Pharyngitis

Question 12

Precise: Which diagnostic test is considered the most definitive for confirming influenza infection?

Accepted Answer

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

Answer

Rapid antigen test

Answer

Chest X-ray

Answer

White blood cell count

Question 13

Adjusted for Difficulty: Which of the following antiviral medications is the recommended first-line therapy for uncomplicated influenza in adults?

Accepted Answer

Oseltamivir

Answer

Amantadine

Answer

Ribavirin

Answer

Zanamivir

Question 14

Adapted for Age: When is influenza vaccination NOT recommended for individuals over 25 years old?

Accepted Answer

Individuals with a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome following influenza vaccination

Answer

Individuals with egg allergy

Answer

Children under 6 months of age

Answer

Pregnant women

Question 15

Corrected: Influenza virus has a segmented genome, which allows for rapid genetic reassortment and generation of new strains. True or False?

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 16

In considering ethical principles, which approach is most appropriate when prescribing antiviral medications for influenza?

Accepted Answer

Prescribing antivirals only to patients with severe or high-risk influenza, such as those with underlying medical conditions or weakened immune systems.

Answer

Prescribing antivirals to all patients with suspected influenza, regardless of severity or risk factors.

Answer

Prescribing antivirals to all patients who request them, regardless of their symptoms or risk factors.

Answer

Prescribing antivirals only to patients who are vaccinated against influenza.

Question 17

How do innate and adaptive immune responses contribute to the development of influenza?

Accepted Answer

Both innate and adaptive immunity

Answer

Innate immunity only

Answer

Adaptive immunity only

Question 18

Which of the following clinical manifestations is characteristic of influenza virus infection?

Accepted Answer

High fever and rapid progression

Answer

Slow onset and absence of fever

Answer

Primary involvement of the lower respiratory tract

Answer

Marked immunosuppression

Question 19

Which of the following diagnostic tests is considered a rapid diagnostic test for influenza?

Accepted Answer

Rapid influenza diagnostic test (RIDT)

Answer

Complete blood count

Answer

Chest X-ray

Answer

Viral culture

Question 20

Which of the following antiviral medications is the first-line treatment for influenza in otherwise healthy individuals?

Accepted Answer

Oseltamivir

Answer

Azithromycin

Answer

Erythromycin

Answer

Acyclovir

Question 21

Which of the following is a risk factor for developing influenza-associated complications?

Accepted Answer

Chronic underlying medical conditions

Answer

Lifestyle factors

Answer

Young age

Question 22

Which of the following clinical manifestations is commonly seen in children with influenza?

Accepted Answer

Fever, cough, and vomiting

Answer

Rash and sore throat

Answer

Pneumonia and respiratory distress

Answer

Myalgia and arthralgia

Question 23

Which of the following nursing interventions is a key component of influenza prevention?

Accepted Answer

Promoting hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette

Answer

Monitoring vital signs

Answer

Providing oxygen therapy

Answer

Administering antiviral medications

Question 24

Which of the following is the primary mode of transmission for influenza virus?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory droplets

Answer

Sexual contact

Answer

Blood transfusion

Answer

Fecal-oral route

Question 25

Which of the following populations is considered at high risk for severe influenza infection?

Accepted Answer

Elderly and young children

Answer

Healthy adolescents

Answer

Middle-aged adults

Answer

Individuals with stable chronic conditions

Question 26

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the influenza virus genome?

Accepted Answer

DNA genome

Answer

Negative-sense RNA genome

Answer

Hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) surface proteins

Answer

Segmented genome

Question 27

The primary mode of transmission for influenza viruses is through:

Accepted Answer

Respiratory droplets

Answer

Fecal-oral route

Answer

Blood transfusion

Answer

Skin contact

Question 28

Which characteristic is unique to the influenza A virus?

Accepted Answer

Has the potential to cause pandemics

Answer

Stable genome

Answer

Undergoes only antigenic drift

Answer

Only infects humans

Question 29

The most common symptom of influenza is:

Accepted Answer

Fever

Answer

Nausea

Answer

Diarrhea

Answer

Rash

Question 30

Which of the following complications is most frequently associated with influenza?

Accepted Answer

Pneumonia

Answer

Sepsis

Answer

Meningitis

Answer

Hepatitis

Question 31

In the pharmacological management of uncomplicated influenza, the primary intervention is:

Accepted Answer

Antiviral medications

Answer

Chemotherapy

Answer

Antibiotics

Answer

Immunosuppressants

Question 32

The recommended frequency of influenza vaccination for adults is:

Accepted Answer

Annually

Answer

Not recommended for adults

Answer

Only during pandemics

Answer

Every 5 years

Question 33

Which measure is NOT effective in preventing the spread of influenza?

Accepted Answer

Smoking

Answer

Staying home when sick

Answer

Handwashing

Answer

Coughing into a tissue

Question 34

The most important aspect of caring for a patient with influenza is:

Accepted Answer

Supportive care

Answer

Intensive monitoring for complications

Answer

Mechanical ventilation

Answer

Aggressive antimicrobial therapy

Question 35

A patient presents with fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches, reporting illness for two days. Which diagnostic test is MOST likely to confirm influenza?

Accepted Answer

Nasal swab for influenza A and B viruses

Answer

Complete blood count (CBC)

Answer

Serological testing for influenza antibodies

Answer

Chest X-ray

Question 36

Which pharmacological intervention is MOST effective in reducing the duration of influenza symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Neuraminidase inhibitors, such as oseltamivir or zanamivir

Answer

Over-the-counter analgesics, such as acetaminophen

Answer

Antihistamines

Answer

Antibiotics, such as amoxicillin

Question 37

Patients with influenza are at increased risk for which complication?

Accepted Answer

Bacterial pneumonia

Answer

Migraine headaches

Answer

Gastroenteritis

Answer

Skin rash

Question 38

What BEST describes the mechanism of action of neuraminidase inhibitors in treating influenza?

Accepted Answer

They prevent the release of newly formed virus particles from infected cells.

Answer

They inhibit viral replication by blocking RNA polymerase.

Answer

They directly kill the influenza virus.

Answer

They stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against influenza viruses.

Question 39

A 70-year-old patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presents with influenza symptoms. Which intervention is MOST important to prevent complications?

Accepted Answer

Early initiation of antiviral therapy

Answer

Oxygen therapy

Answer

Antibiotic prophylaxis

Answer

Administration of intravenous fluids

Question 40

Which statement BEST describes the pathophysiology of influenza infection?

Accepted Answer

The virus infects respiratory epithelial cells, causing inflammation and cell shedding.

Answer

The virus directly attacks the lungs, leading to inflammation and fluid accumulation.

Answer

The virus impairs the immune system, leading to secondary infections.

Answer

The virus causes a systemic inflammatory response, leading to fever and muscle aches.

Question 41

A patient with influenza is concerned about transmitting the virus to family members. Which strategy is MOST effective in preventing transmission?

Accepted Answer

Practicing good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette

Answer

Wearing a face mask at all times

Answer

Avoiding contact with other people

Answer

Taking antiviral medication

Question 42

Which factor is MOST associated with an increased risk of severe influenza complications?

Accepted Answer

Advanced age

Answer

Recent travel history

Answer

History of allergies

Answer

Current pregnancy

Question 43

A patient with asthma is concerned about influenza complications. What is the MOST appropriate recommendation?

Accepted Answer

Annual influenza vaccination

Answer

Prompt medical attention for any influenza symptoms

Answer

Avoidance of public gatherings

Answer

Antiviral prophylaxis

Question 44

Which statement BEST describes the role of the influenza vaccine in preventing infection?

Accepted Answer

The vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against the influenza virus.

Answer

The vaccine prevents the virus from entering the body.

Answer

The vaccine directly kills the influenza virus.

Answer

The vaccine reduces the severity of influenza symptoms.