Inflammation (NCLEX-style Questions)

A client presents with redness, heat, swelling, and pain at a surgical incision site. Which finding indicates acute inflammation?

• Presence of macrophages as the primary cell

• Granulation tissue filling the wound

• Neutrophil accumulation and pus formation

• Collagen remodeling

The nurse observes an elevated WBC with an increased number of band neutrophils. What does this indicate?

• Chronic inflammation

• Viral infection

• “Shift to the left” meaning acute bacterial inflammation

• Bone marrow suppression

Which mediator is responsible for vasodilation and increased capillary permeability in inflammation?

• Renin

• Histamine

• Serotonin

• Dopamine

Which finding is a systemic manifestation of inflammation?

A neutropenic patient may have an infection without obvious inflammation because:

• Neutrophils migrate too quickly

• They mount an excessive immune response

• They cannot form pus or typical inflammatory signs

• Fever response is intensified

Which patient is at the highest risk for poor wound healing?

• 25-year-old with mild anemia

• 40-year-old taking vitamin C

• 70-year-old on chronic corticosteroids

• 35-year-old with healthy nutrition

The nurse recognizes which scenario as primary intention wound healing?

• Surgical incision closed with sutures

• Large traumatic wound left open

• Wound packed and healing by granulation

• Delayed closure after infection resolves

A client with fever of 103°F is shivering under blankets. What is the correct interpretation?

• Fever is breaking

• The set point is rising; body is generating heat to match new temperature

• Patient is hypothermic

• Patient has inadequate perfusion

The nurse caring for an inflamed ankle applies ice during the first 24 hours because cold:

• Stimulates neutrophil production

• Increases blood flow

• Causes vasoconstriction reducing swelling and pain

• Prevents scar tissue formation

Which is a correct teaching for NSAID use during inflammation?

• NSAIDs increase prostaglandin production

• NSAIDs raise the hypothalamic set point

• NSAIDs block prostaglandin synthesis

• NSAIDs must be taken with corticosteroids