Which of the following conditions weakens the immune system, increasing the risk of stomatitis

KPSC Staff Nurse - 2015

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Medium

Appeared in: KPSC Staff Nurse - 2015

Explanation

Stomatitis is the inflammation of the mouth's mucous lining, often resulting from opportunistic infections that thrive when the immune system is compromised.
Chronic stress elevates cortisol levels, which suppresses the body's natural immune and inflammatory responses, increasing vulnerability to infection.
Autoimmune disorders involve a malfunctioning immune system, and the medications used to treat them (like corticosteroids) further suppress immunity.
HIV directly attacks and destroys CD4+ T-helper cells, which are critical for a healthy immune response, leading to severe immunodeficiency and a high risk for oral infections.
Since stress, autoimmune disorders, and HIV all weaken the immune system, they are all significant risk factors for developing stomatitis, making 'All of the above' the most complete answer.

Option A: This option is incomplete. While stress does weaken the immune system, it is not the only condition among the choices that does so. Autoimmune disorders and HIV are also major contributors.
Option B: This is an incomplete answer. Autoimmune disorders and their treatments are a significant cause of immunosuppression, but stress and viral infections like HIV also play a crucial role.
Option C: This answer is too narrow. HIV is a well-known cause of severe immunodeficiency, but it is not the only risk factor presented. Stress and autoimmune conditions also significantly weaken immune defenses.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Risk factors for stomatitis related to immunosuppression as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must perform thorough and regular oral assessments for any immunocompromised patient, as stomatitis can be an early indicator of declining immune status or systemic infection.
Stomatitis is not just a local issue; it can cause significant pain, difficulty eating (dysphagia), and poor nutrition, which can delay recovery and complicate the management of the patient's primary illness.
Proactive oral care, including patient education on diet and hygiene, is a critical nursing intervention to prevent stomatitis and its complications in at-risk populations.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question: what weakens the immune system and increases the risk for stomatitis.
Next, evaluate each of the first three options (Stress, Autoimmune disorders, Viral infections like HIV) to determine if it is a known cause of immunosuppression.
Recall that chronic stress (via cortisol), autoimmune diseases (by their nature and treatment), and HIV (by destroying T-cells) all compromise the body's immune defenses.
Recognize that options A, B, and C are all individually correct statements.
When multiple options are correct, look for a comprehensive option like 'All of the above'. In this case, it accurately includes all the preceding valid points and is the best answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 2 p. 223-225

E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 735-737

E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 1 Part 2 p. 113-115