Tissue injury followed by acute inflammation and marked neutrophil reaction leads to?

RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2016

Pathology & Genetics

Easy

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2016

Explanation

Suppuration, or the formation of pus, is the characteristic outcome of an intense acute inflammatory response dominated by neutrophils.
Neutrophils are phagocytic cells that are recruited in large numbers to fight certain infections, particularly those caused by pyogenic (pus-producing) bacteria.
These cells release potent enzymes that digest and liquefy the surrounding tissue, a process known as liquefactive necrosis.
The resulting thick, yellowish fluid, called pus, is composed of dead and dying neutrophils, necrotic tissue debris, edema fluid, and bacteria.

Option A: Resolution is the ideal outcome where the tissue returns to normal. It occurs only with minimal tissue damage and effective removal of the injurious agent, not with a 'marked neutrophil reaction' which implies significant inflammation.
Option B: Fibrosis, or scarring, is a method of repair, not an immediate outcome of the acute inflammatory phase. It occurs later in the healing process if there has been substantial tissue destruction that cannot be resolved or regenerated.
Option D: Chronic inflammation is characterized by a different set of inflammatory cells, primarily lymphocytes, plasma cells, and macrophages. It is a prolonged response, lasting weeks to months, whereas the question describes an acute reaction.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Outcomes of Acute Inflammation helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Recognizing suppuration is crucial for nurses as it indicates the formation of an abscess, a localized collection of pus that often requires surgical incision and drainage (I&D) to heal properly.
Nursing care for an abscess involves monitoring for signs of spreading infection (cellulitis), managing pain, performing meticulous wound care after drainage (e.g., packing, dressing changes), and administering antibiotics as prescribed.
What if? If the inflammatory infiltrate was predominantly lymphocytes and macrophages and persisted for weeks, the outcome would be chronic inflammation, not suppuration. This is seen in conditions like tuberculosis.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key phrases in the question stem: 'acute inflammation' and 'marked neutrophil reaction'.
Recall the specific roles of different white blood cells in inflammation. Neutrophils are the primary cells involved in acute bacterial infections and are the main component of pus.
Connect the concept of a 'marked neutrophil reaction' directly to the formation of pus.
Identify the medical term for pus formation among the options, which is 'Suppuration'.
Briefly consider the other options to confirm your choice. Resolution means complete healing (unlikely with a 'marked' reaction). Fibrosis is scarring (a repair process, not an immediate outcome). Chronic inflammation involves different cells (lymphocytes/macrophages) and a longer timeline.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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