Which statement best describes the effects that stress has on the immune system? a. stress can lead to increased vulnerability to infections and immune deficiency disorders. b. stress can lead to decreased infections and immune deficiency disorders. c. stress can inhibit the production of red blood cells and platelets. d. stress can decrease the likelihood of catching colds, flu, and pneumonia.

An 80-year-old woman comes to the urgent care clinic with dyspnoea on exertion. on physical examination, her blood pressure is 100/70, and her pulse is 75. she has no pulsus paradoxus. her jugular veins are distended, and she has distant heart sounds. in addition, she has extra third and fourth heart sounds. her liver is enlarged, and she has pedal oedema. she has occasional premature ventricular contractions on her electrocardiogram. a chest x-ray reveals clear lung fields with a dilated cardiac silhouette. her echocardiogram reveals ventricular walls with a "speckled pattern". which of the following is the most likely diagnosis? - alcoholic cardiomyopathy- amyloidosis- haemochromatosis- tuberculosis- viral myocarditis