EDITION HARDING STUDY GUIDE 2026
QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS GRADED A+
◉ Vascular response to cell injury. Answer: transient vasoconstriction
then after release of histamine and other chemicals by the injured cells,
the vessels dilate. Chemical mediators cause increased capillary
permeability and facilitate fluid movement from capillaries into tissue
spaces.
◉ Neutrophils. Answer: First leukocyte to arrive at the injury site
(usually within 6 to 12 hours). Dead neutrophils accumulate and form
puss.
◉ Monocytes. Answer: Second type of phagocytic cells that migrate
from circulating blood. They arrive within 3 to 7 days after onset of
inflammation.
◉ Lymphocytes. Answer: Arrive later at the site of injury. Primary role
is related to humoral and cell-mediated immunity
◉ Complement system. Answer: enzyme cascade (C1 to C9) consisting
of pathways to mediate inflammation and destroy invading pathogens.
Major fn of complement system: enhanced phagocytosis, increased
vascular permeability, chemotaxis, and cellular lysis
, ◉ Histamine. Answer: Causes vasodilation and increased capillary
permeability
◉ Serotonin. Answer: Causes vasodilation and increased capillary
permeability. Stimulates smooth muscle contraction.
◉ Local manifestations of inflammation. Answer: redness, heat pain,
swelling and loss of function
◉ Systemic manifestations of inflammation. Answer: increased WBC
count with a shift to the left, malaise, nausea, and anorexia, increased
pulse and respiratory rate, and fever.
◉ Fever. Answer: triggered by the release of cytokines, which cause
fever by initiating metabolic changes (synthesis of prostaglandins most
critical) in the temperature regulating center in the hypothalamus.
◉ Fever management. Answer: Moderate fevers, up to 103, usually
produce few problems. Consider antipyretic use if great discomfort.
Immunocompromised patients should be treated immediately for fever.
Fever greater than 104 can damage body cells
Older adults may have blunted febrile response to infection