Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) SLC Practice Exam

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What happens when the body's defenses are weakened in terms of infection risk?

  1. It increases the chance of opportunistic infections

  2. It prevents any disease from occurring

  3. It leads to a reduction in infectious agents

  4. It only affects communicable diseases

The correct answer is: It increases the chance of opportunistic infections

When the body's defenses are weakened, the chances of opportunistic infections significantly increase. The immune system plays a crucial role in protecting the body from various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. A weakened immune system can result from several factors, such as chronic illness, malnutrition, stress, or the use of immunosuppressive medications. In this context, opportunistic infections are those caused by pathogens that typically do not cause disease in healthy individuals but can lead to severe illness in those with compromised immune systems. For example, individuals with HIV/AIDS or those undergoing chemotherapy may be more susceptible to infections like pneumonia or certain fungal infections because their immune systems are unable to mount an adequate defense. Other options describe outcomes that do not align with the implications of a weakened immune response. Preventing any disease from occurring is not accurate, as a compromised immune system makes the body more vulnerable to diseases. Similarly, a reduction in infectious agents does not occur; rather, the number of infections tends to rise due to the inability of the immune system to fight off pathogens. Lastly, stating that it only affects communicable diseases overlooks the fact that a weakened immune system can lead to infections from various sources, whether communicable or not. Therefore, increased risk