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What is the primary role of tight junctions in epithelial tissues, and what consequence might arise if they are disrupted?

Regarding the histological architecture of the cutaneous (skin) membrane, which combination of tissue types correctly reflects its structure and related functions?

How do merocrine (exocytotic) secretion and endocrine secretion fundamentally differ in glandular function?

In connective tissue, how does the composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) enable it to perform its diverse functions?

A genetic mutation causes a marked decrease in collagen fiber synthesis within the extracellular matrix (ECM) of connective tissue. Which tissue function is most likely impaired by this defect?

Which of the following pathogens is often implicated in a COPD exacerbation caused by respiratory tract infection?

You are seeing a 66-year-old male patient who has a history of dyslipidemia, hypertension and myocardial infarction five years ago. He is in today complaining of pain in his foot. “It hurts all the time, but especially at night.” On exam you notice he has no hair on his lower extremities, his right foot is pale, and you cannot find his posterior tibial pulses. You try to use the pulse oximeter, but it will not register. There is a 3 mm punctate-appearing ulcer on the lateral aspect of his foot. Which of the following is the best assessment and plan for this patient?

Mrs. Jones calls your office stating that she is tired and has swollen feet. You work her into your schedule immediately. She is a 72-year-old woman with a history of hypertension. She does not take daily diuretics but has Lasix at home “just in case”. She took one this morning. It is not on your medication list, and you don’t know the strength. Her blood pressure in the office is 160/82 mmHg and her weight is up 12 pounds since you saw her a month ago. Her last echocardiogram was 3 months ago and demonstrated an ejection fraction of 55%. Her primary complaints are tiredness and a cough for the past week. On exam you note jugular venous distention of about 6 cm, and she has pulsatile hepato-jugular reflux, clear lung sounds in all fields, and an irregular heart rate at 100. No S4 or S3. Abdomen is soft, but a little distended you think. She has 2(+) dependent edema to almost her knees, bilaterally. Based on the assessment and findings noted above, which of the following diagnostic tests will help you decide how to treat Mrs. Jones? Select all correct answers. 

Which anti-depressant is the preferred option for depression post-MI?

Susan Bridge is a 58-year-old Caucasian female who just recently moved into town and is seeing the NP today to establish care and go over her medication and treatment plan.   Susan checks her BP at home 3x a week and average home BP readings are 144/86 mmHg.   PMH: HTN dx. 5 years ago, Hyperlipidemia dx. 5 years ago. OB hx:  G:3, P: 3.  Gestational DM, preeclampsia, menopausal 1 year Family Hx:  Dad alive 88 y – DM type II, HTN, Hyperlipidemia, CVD with an MI at age 67.  Mom alive 85 y – DM type II, Hyperlipidemia, depression Medications: Lisinopril 10 mg/day, Atorvastatin 40 mg/day, multi-vitamin Social Hx:  non-smoker, ETOH wine 3 glasses/week, full-time work as an accountant, exercise – short walks 2-3 x a month.  Doesn’t have time to cook – eats fast-food 2-3x a week, eats soup from a can 3-4x a week.  Likes to reward herself on the end of the day with a couple of pieces of pie.   Lipid panel – 1 week ago while on statin therapy:   Total cholesterol 142 LDL 135 HDL 35 Non-HDL: 107 VS: BP: 158/84 mmHg.   RR: 16 HR:  88 Pulse-ox: 95% RA BMI:  29 Address each question separately:   1.  Identify risk factors. 2.  Address why these are risk factors. 3.  Is this patient at treatment goals for HTN?  4.  What should be the BP goal?  5.  What should the NP advice/prescribe to help the patient achieve her HTN goal?   6.  Why did you choose the treatment described in question #5?