A Previously Healthy Patient Develops Influenza Which Is Confirmed by RT-PCR

question 1

Multiple Choice

A previously healthy patient develops influenza which is confirmed by RT-PCR testing and begins taking an antiviral medication. The next day, the patient reports increased fever and cough without respiratory distress. The patient's lungs are clear and oxygen saturations are 97% on room air. What will the provider recommend?

• A) Admission to the hospital for treatment of complications
• B) Empirical antibiotics to treat a possible secondary infection
• C) Referral to a specialist for evaluation and treatment
• D) Symptomatic treatment with close follow-up in clinic

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Definitions:

Ribosome

Complex molecular machines in cells that synthesize proteins by translating messenger RNA into amino acid sequences.

Binding Sites

Specific regions on molecules (e.g., enzymes, receptors) where other molecules (e.g., substrates, ligands) can attach or bind.

tRNAs

Small RNA molecules that transport amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis according to the sequence of a messenger RNA (mRNA) transcript.

RNA Polymerase

An enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template.