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Immunity Disorders
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Immunity Disorders

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of corticosteroids in the treatment of allergic reactions?

  • To stimulate the release of vasoactive chemicals from mast cells
  • To increase the production of eosinophils
  • To suppress the immune system's response to antigens
  • To block the synthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes (correct)
  • What is the primary function of Eosinophil Chemotactic Factor (ECF)?

  • To attract eosinophils to a particular area of the body (correct)
  • To stimulate the production of prostaglandins
  • To suppress the immune system's response to antigens
  • To release histamine from mast cells
  • What is the primary purpose of desensitization therapy?

  • To block the release of histamine from mast cells
  • To suppress the immune system's response to antigens
  • To gradually increase the body's tolerance to a specific allergen (correct)
  • To stimulate the production of eosinophils
  • What is the primary difference between an allergic reaction and an autoimmune disorder?

    <p>Allergic reactions involve the immune system's response to external antigens, while autoimmune disorders involve the immune system's response to self-antigens</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the radioallergosorbent blood test (RAST)?

    <p>To detect the presence of IgE antibodies in the blood</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of epinephrine in the treatment of anaphylaxis?

    <p>To interfere with the release of vasoactive chemicals from mast cells</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of elimination diets in the diagnosis of food allergies?

    <p>To establish a cause-and-effect relationship between a specific food and an allergic reaction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary difference between a localized hypersensitivity reaction and an anaphylactic reaction?

    <p>Localized hypersensitivity reactions are limited to a specific area of the body, while anaphylactic reactions are systemic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of scratch or prick testing in the diagnosis of allergies?

    <p>To identify the specific allergen responsible for an allergic reaction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of antinuclear antibody titer in the diagnosis of autoimmune disorders?

    <p>To identify the specific autoantigen responsible for an autoimmune disorder</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes an allergic disorder?

    <p>A hyperimmune response to weak antigens that are usually harmless</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of hypersensitivity response is mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies?

    <p>Type I, atopic or anaphylactic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the process by which cellular and chemical events occur after a second or subsequent exposure to an allergen?

    <p>Sensitization</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of hypersensitivity response reaches a peak within 6 hours after exposure to an allergen?

    <p>Type III, immune complex</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the result of a massive release of histamine in an anaphylactic response?

    <p>Vasodilation and increased capillary permeability</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the acute swelling of the face, neck, lips, larynx, hands, feet, genitals, and internal organs in an anaphylactic response?

    <p>Angioedema</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of hypersensitivity response involves the phagocytosis of antigens by macrophages and the production of cytokines by sensitized T cells?

    <p>Type IV, delayed</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the rapid and profound type I hypersensitivity response?

    <p>Anaphylaxis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the result of the immediate hypersensitivity response in terms of blood pressure?

    <p>Hypotension</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the inflammatory reaction that occurs in a delayed hypersensitivity response?

    <p>Inflammation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary mechanism of muscle weakness in Myasthenia Gravis?

    <p>Blockage of acetylcholine receptors by antibodies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a symptom of Myasthenia Gravis?

    <p>Numbness in the hands and feet</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the Tensilon test in diagnosing Myasthenia Gravis?

    <p>To improve muscle strength temporarily</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of nursing interventions in Myasthenia Gravis?

    <p>To prevent respiratory problems and fatigue</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the criteria for diagnosing Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)?

    <p>Presence of at least 4 symptoms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the Antinuclear Antibody test in SLE?

    <p>To identify autoimmune disorders</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of treatment in SLE?

    <p>To prevent complications and minimize disability</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the nursing intervention to reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism in SLE?

    <p>Avoiding oral contraceptives</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the importance of teaching clients with SLE to wear a medic-alert bracelet?

    <p>To identify SLE diagnosis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the C-reactive protein test in SLE?

    <p>To measure inflammation during acute exacerbations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a characteristic of an autoimmune disorder?

    <p>Unrelenting, progressive tissue damage without any verifiable etiology</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of the scratch or prick test in the diagnosis of allergies?

    <p>To determine the existence of an allergy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the acute swelling of the face, neck, lips, larynx, hands, feet, genitals, and internal organs in an anaphylactic response?

    <p>Angioneurotic edema</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary mechanism of desensitization therapy?

    <p>To introduce gradually increasing doses of an allergen to the body</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of nursing interventions in Myasthenia Gravis?

    <p>To manage symptoms and improve quality of life</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary mechanism of corticosteroids in the treatment of allergic reactions?

    <p>To reduce inflammation and swelling</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the rapid and profound type I hypersensitivity response?

    <p>Anaphylaxis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of elimination diets in the diagnosis of food allergies?

    <p>To determine the cause of an allergic reaction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary mechanism of immunosuppressive agents in the treatment of autoimmune disorders?

    <p>To suppress the immune system's response to the body's own tissues</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the process by which cellular and chemical events occur after a second or subsequent exposure to an allergen?

    <p>Immunologic memory</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary characteristic of an allergic disorder?

    <p>A hyperimmune response to weak antigens</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the process by which the body responds to an initial exposure to an allergen?

    <p>Immunological tolerance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of hypersensitivity response is mediated by immunoglobulin M or G antibodies?

    <p>Type II, cytotoxic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the acute swelling of the face, neck, lips, larynx, hands, feet, genitals, and internal organs in an anaphylactic response?

    <p>Angioedema</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary mechanism of muscle weakness in Myasthenia Gravis?

    <p>Blockage of acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary mechanism of the immediate hypersensitivity response?

    <p>Antibodies interacting with allergens</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the Tensilon test in diagnosing Myasthenia Gravis?

    <p>To improve muscle strength temporarily</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of hypersensitivity response involves the production of cytokines by sensitized T cells?

    <p>Type IV, delayed</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of nursing interventions in Myasthenia Gravis?

    <p>To prevent respiratory and swallowing problems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the result of a massive release of histamine in an anaphylactic response?

    <p>Vasodilation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the criteria for diagnosing Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)?

    <p>Need 4 or more specific symptoms and test results</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the Antinuclear Antibody test in SLE?

    <p>To identify the presence of SLE</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the rapid and profound type I hypersensitivity response?

    <p>Anaphylaxis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary difference between immediate and delayed hypersensitivity responses?

    <p>The duration of the response</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of treatment in SLE?

    <p>To prevent complications and minimize disability</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the result of the immediate hypersensitivity response in terms of blood pressure?

    <p>Hypotension</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the nursing intervention to reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism in SLE?

    <p>Avoiding oral contraceptives</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the importance of teaching clients with SLE to wear a medic-alert bracelet?

    <p>To alert healthcare providers of the client's condition</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the C-reactive protein test in SLE?

    <p>To monitor the progression of SLE</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary difference between Myasthenia Gravis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus?

    <p>The affected body systems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of hypersensitivity response is characterized by the phagocytosis of antigens by macrophages and the production of cytokines by sensitized T cells?

    <p>Type IV, delayed hypersensitivity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the process by which an allergic response is triggered, resulting in sensitization to an allergen?

    <p>Sensitization after a second or subsequent exposure to an allergen</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the rapid and profound type I hypersensitivity response that can cause life-threatening symptoms?

    <p>Anaphylaxis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of hypersensitivity response is mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies?

    <p>Type I, atopic or anaphylactic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the result of a massive release of histamine in an anaphylactic response?

    <p>Vasodilation and increased capillary permeability</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary characteristic of an allergic disorder?

    <p>Hyperimmune response to weak antigens</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary mechanism by which corticosteroids block the synthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes?

    <p>By inhibiting the enzyme phospholipase A2</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary difference between an allergic reaction and an autoimmune disorder?

    <p>The presence of an external antigen</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of desensitization therapy in the treatment of allergic reactions?

    <p>To diminish the IgE antibody response</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary mechanism of immunosuppressive agents in the treatment of autoimmune disorders?

    <p>By diminishing the immune response to self-antigens</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary characteristic of an allergic disorder?

    <p>The presence of an external antigen</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test in the diagnosis of autoimmune disorders?

    <p>To measure the levels of inflammatory markers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a characteristic of Myasthenia Gravis?

    <p>A chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by episodes of weakness in voluntary muscles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a diagnostic test for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)?

    <p>Anti-DNA antibody test</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of nursing interventions in clients with Myasthenia Gravis?

    <p>To prevent respiratory and swallowing problems and fatigue</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary mechanism of action of corticosteroids in the treatment of autoimmune disorders?

    <p>To reduce inflammation and promote tissue growth and repair</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a symptom of Myasthenia Gravis?

    <p>Droopy eye (ptosis) and double vision</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of treatment in clients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)?

    <p>To prevent complications and minimize disability</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a characteristic of autoimmune disorders?

    <p>The production of autoantibodies that react with antigens to form immune complexes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of the Antinuclear Antibody test in diagnosing Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)?

    <p>To detect the presence of autoantibodies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Allergic Disorders

    • Characterized by a hyperimmune response to weak antigens that are usually harmless
    • Types of allergens: ingestants (food, drugs), inhalants (house dust and mites), contactants (latex), and injectants (drugs, bee venom)
    • Examples of allergic disorders: allergic rhinitis, contact dermatitis, food allergy, urticaria, and angioedema

    Pathophysiology and Etiology

    • First exposure to an allergen does not produce symptoms
    • Sensitization: process by which cellular and chemical events occur after a second or subsequent exposure to an allergen
    • Four types of hypersensitivity responses: type I, II, III, and IV

    Immediate Hypersensitivity Response

    • Type I, atopic or anaphylactic: mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies
    • Type II, cytotoxic: mediated by immunoglobulin M or G (IgM or IgG) antibodies
    • Type III, immune complex: mediated by IgG antibodies
    • Anaphylaxis: rapid and profound type I hypersensitivity response

    Delayed Hypersensitivity Response

    • Type IV: mediated by T cells and macrophages
    • May develop over several hours or days

    Suppression of the Allergic Response

    • Mechanisms: Eosinophil Chemotactic Factor (ECF), epinephrine, and corticosteroids
    • Assessment findings: manifestations of allergic reactions, such as shock, laryngeal edema, wheezing, and angioneurotic edema

    Diagnostic Findings

    • Radioallergosorbent blood test (RAST)
    • Skin testing with extracts of various substances (antigens)
    • Elimination diets

    Complications

    • Clients with inhalant allergies or allergic rhinitis may develop nasal polyps, sinus infections, secondary pulmonary infections, asthma, and epistaxis
    • Medical management: drug therapy, desensitization, and sublingual-swallow immunotherapy

    Nursing Management

    • Remove rings from swollen fingers to maintain circulation
    • Schedule for diagnostic skin testing and avoid taking prescribed or OTC antihistamines or cold preparations for at least 48 to 72 hours before testing
    • Instruct on the use of Epipen and administer serial doses and monitor after desensitization
    • Client and family teaching to avoiding or reducing exposure

    Autoimmune Disorders

    • Characterized by unrelenting, progressive tissue damage without any verifiable etiology
    • Examples: hemolytic anemia, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, and ulcerative colitis

    Pathophysiology and Etiology

    • Causes: tissue injury theory, genetic instruction theory, and sequestered antigen theory
    • Assessment findings: symptoms depend on the tissues and organs affected, characteristic of an acute inflammatory response

    Diagnostic Findings

    • Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), antistreptolysin O titer, antinuclear antibody titer, and rheumatoid factor
    • Medical management: drug therapy, immunosuppressive agents, cytotoxic agents, and corticosteroids

    Nursing Management

    • Obtain a family history and vital signs
    • Examine the client for signs of localized inflammation and compromised body functions
    • Assess level of energy and review laboratory test findings
    • Client and family teaching

    Autoimmune Disorder - Myasthenia Gravis

    • Chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by episodes of weakness in voluntary muscles
    • Pathophysiology: thymus gland produces antibodies that block or reduce acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction
    • Symptoms: weakness of facial, speech, and chewing muscles, droopy eye (ptosis), diplopia (double vision), dysphagia, and dyspnea

    Diagnosis

    • Elevated blood levels of acetylcholine receptor antibodies
    • Injection of Tensilon (short-acting anticholinergic) improvement in muscle strength
    • EMG will show increased muscle fatigue
    • CT scan may show a tumor of the thymus

    Treatment

    • Anticholinesterase agents, corticosteroids, cytotoxic agents, and thymectomy
    • Nursing intervention: prevent respiratory/swallowing problems and fatigue, maintain airway, teach signs and symptoms of myasthenia crisis, and teach client and family medications must be taken on time

    Autoimmune Disorders - Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

    • Chronic inflammatory connective tissue disease that affects multiple body systems
    • Pathophysiology: production of autoantibodies react with antigen to form immune complexes, affecting blood and lymphatic vessels
    • Symptoms: butterfly face rash, discoid rash, sun-related rash, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, mouth sores, polyarthritis, and neurological symptoms

    Criteria for Diagnosis

    • Need 4 or more of the following criteria: butterfly face rash, discoid rash, sun-related rash, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, mouth sores, polyarthritis, and neurological symptoms

    Diagnostic Tests

    • Antinuclear antibody test, anti-DNA antibody test, C-reactive protein, ESR, CBC, and U/A and renal function studies

    Treatment

    • No cure, focus on preventing complications, minimizing disability, and preventing organ damage
    • Immunosuppressive drug, steroids, and sun exposure avoidance
    • Nursing interventions: maintain good nutrition, balance rest and activity, stress reduction, encourage exercise, and teach signs and symptoms of infection and medication management

    Allergic Disorders

    • Characterized by a hyperimmune response to weak antigens that are usually harmless
    • Types of allergens: ingestants (food, drugs), inhalants (house dust and mites), contactants (latex), and injectants (drugs, bee venom)
    • Examples of allergic disorders: allergic rhinitis, contact dermatitis, food allergy, urticaria, and angioedema

    Pathophysiology and Etiology

    • First exposure to an allergen does not produce symptoms
    • Sensitization: process by which cellular and chemical events occur after a second or subsequent exposure to an allergen
    • Four types of hypersensitivity responses: type I, II, III, and IV

    Immediate Hypersensitivity Response

    • Type I, atopic or anaphylactic: mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies
    • Type II, cytotoxic: mediated by immunoglobulin M or G (IgM or IgG) antibodies
    • Type III, immune complex: mediated by IgG antibodies
    • Anaphylaxis: rapid and profound type I hypersensitivity response

    Delayed Hypersensitivity Response

    • Type IV: mediated by T cells and macrophages
    • May develop over several hours or days

    Suppression of the Allergic Response

    • Mechanisms: Eosinophil Chemotactic Factor (ECF), epinephrine, and corticosteroids
    • Assessment findings: manifestations of allergic reactions, such as shock, laryngeal edema, wheezing, and angioneurotic edema

    Diagnostic Findings

    • Radioallergosorbent blood test (RAST)
    • Skin testing with extracts of various substances (antigens)
    • Elimination diets

    Complications

    • Clients with inhalant allergies or allergic rhinitis may develop nasal polyps, sinus infections, secondary pulmonary infections, asthma, and epistaxis
    • Medical management: drug therapy, desensitization, and sublingual-swallow immunotherapy

    Nursing Management

    • Remove rings from swollen fingers to maintain circulation
    • Schedule for diagnostic skin testing and avoid taking prescribed or OTC antihistamines or cold preparations for at least 48 to 72 hours before testing
    • Instruct on the use of Epipen and administer serial doses and monitor after desensitization
    • Client and family teaching to avoiding or reducing exposure

    Autoimmune Disorders

    • Characterized by unrelenting, progressive tissue damage without any verifiable etiology
    • Examples: hemolytic anemia, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, and ulcerative colitis

    Pathophysiology and Etiology

    • Causes: tissue injury theory, genetic instruction theory, and sequestered antigen theory
    • Assessment findings: symptoms depend on the tissues and organs affected, characteristic of an acute inflammatory response

    Diagnostic Findings

    • Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), antistreptolysin O titer, antinuclear antibody titer, and rheumatoid factor
    • Medical management: drug therapy, immunosuppressive agents, cytotoxic agents, and corticosteroids

    Nursing Management

    • Obtain a family history and vital signs
    • Examine the client for signs of localized inflammation and compromised body functions
    • Assess level of energy and review laboratory test findings
    • Client and family teaching

    Autoimmune Disorder - Myasthenia Gravis

    • Chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by episodes of weakness in voluntary muscles
    • Pathophysiology: thymus gland produces antibodies that block or reduce acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction
    • Symptoms: weakness of facial, speech, and chewing muscles, droopy eye (ptosis), diplopia (double vision), dysphagia, and dyspnea

    Diagnosis

    • Elevated blood levels of acetylcholine receptor antibodies
    • Injection of Tensilon (short-acting anticholinergic) improvement in muscle strength
    • EMG will show increased muscle fatigue
    • CT scan may show a tumor of the thymus

    Treatment

    • Anticholinesterase agents, corticosteroids, cytotoxic agents, and thymectomy
    • Nursing intervention: prevent respiratory/swallowing problems and fatigue, maintain airway, teach signs and symptoms of myasthenia crisis, and teach client and family medications must be taken on time

    Autoimmune Disorders - Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

    • Chronic inflammatory connective tissue disease that affects multiple body systems
    • Pathophysiology: production of autoantibodies react with antigen to form immune complexes, affecting blood and lymphatic vessels
    • Symptoms: butterfly face rash, discoid rash, sun-related rash, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, mouth sores, polyarthritis, and neurological symptoms

    Criteria for Diagnosis

    • Need 4 or more of the following criteria: butterfly face rash, discoid rash, sun-related rash, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, mouth sores, polyarthritis, and neurological symptoms

    Diagnostic Tests

    • Antinuclear antibody test, anti-DNA antibody test, C-reactive protein, ESR, CBC, and U/A and renal function studies

    Treatment

    • No cure, focus on preventing complications, minimizing disability, and preventing organ damage
    • Immunosuppressive drug, steroids, and sun exposure avoidance
    • Nursing interventions: maintain good nutrition, balance rest and activity, stress reduction, encourage exercise, and teach signs and symptoms of infection and medication management

    Allergic Disorders

    • Characterized by a hyperimmune response to weak antigens that are usually harmless
    • Types of allergens: ingestants (food, drugs), inhalants (house dust and mites), contactants (latex), and injectants (drugs, bee venom)
    • Examples of allergic disorders: allergic rhinitis, contact dermatitis, food allergy, urticaria, and angioedema

    Pathophysiology and Etiology

    • First exposure to an allergen does not produce symptoms
    • Sensitization: process by which cellular and chemical events occur after a second or subsequent exposure to an allergen
    • Four types of hypersensitivity responses: type I, II, III, and IV

    Immediate Hypersensitivity Response

    • Type I, atopic or anaphylactic: mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies
    • Type II, cytotoxic: mediated by immunoglobulin M or G (IgM or IgG) antibodies
    • Type III, immune complex: mediated by IgG antibodies
    • Anaphylaxis: rapid and profound type I hypersensitivity response

    Delayed Hypersensitivity Response

    • Type IV: mediated by T cells and macrophages
    • May develop over several hours or days

    Suppression of the Allergic Response

    • Mechanisms: Eosinophil Chemotactic Factor (ECF), epinephrine, and corticosteroids
    • Assessment findings: manifestations of allergic reactions, such as shock, laryngeal edema, wheezing, and angioneurotic edema

    Diagnostic Findings

    • Radioallergosorbent blood test (RAST)
    • Skin testing with extracts of various substances (antigens)
    • Elimination diets

    Complications

    • Clients with inhalant allergies or allergic rhinitis may develop nasal polyps, sinus infections, secondary pulmonary infections, asthma, and epistaxis
    • Medical management: drug therapy, desensitization, and sublingual-swallow immunotherapy

    Nursing Management

    • Remove rings from swollen fingers to maintain circulation
    • Schedule for diagnostic skin testing and avoid taking prescribed or OTC antihistamines or cold preparations for at least 48 to 72 hours before testing
    • Instruct on the use of Epipen and administer serial doses and monitor after desensitization
    • Client and family teaching to avoiding or reducing exposure

    Autoimmune Disorders

    • Characterized by unrelenting, progressive tissue damage without any verifiable etiology
    • Examples: hemolytic anemia, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, and ulcerative colitis

    Pathophysiology and Etiology

    • Causes: tissue injury theory, genetic instruction theory, and sequestered antigen theory
    • Assessment findings: symptoms depend on the tissues and organs affected, characteristic of an acute inflammatory response

    Diagnostic Findings

    • Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), antistreptolysin O titer, antinuclear antibody titer, and rheumatoid factor
    • Medical management: drug therapy, immunosuppressive agents, cytotoxic agents, and corticosteroids

    Nursing Management

    • Obtain a family history and vital signs
    • Examine the client for signs of localized inflammation and compromised body functions
    • Assess level of energy and review laboratory test findings
    • Client and family teaching

    Autoimmune Disorder - Myasthenia Gravis

    • Chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by episodes of weakness in voluntary muscles
    • Pathophysiology: thymus gland produces antibodies that block or reduce acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction
    • Symptoms: weakness of facial, speech, and chewing muscles, droopy eye (ptosis), diplopia (double vision), dysphagia, and dyspnea

    Diagnosis

    • Elevated blood levels of acetylcholine receptor antibodies
    • Injection of Tensilon (short-acting anticholinergic) improvement in muscle strength
    • EMG will show increased muscle fatigue
    • CT scan may show a tumor of the thymus

    Treatment

    • Anticholinesterase agents, corticosteroids, cytotoxic agents, and thymectomy
    • Nursing intervention: prevent respiratory/swallowing problems and fatigue, maintain airway, teach signs and symptoms of myasthenia crisis, and teach client and family medications must be taken on time

    Autoimmune Disorders - Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

    • Chronic inflammatory connective tissue disease that affects multiple body systems
    • Pathophysiology: production of autoantibodies react with antigen to form immune complexes, affecting blood and lymphatic vessels
    • Symptoms: butterfly face rash, discoid rash, sun-related rash, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, mouth sores, polyarthritis, and neurological symptoms

    Criteria for Diagnosis

    • Need 4 or more of the following criteria: butterfly face rash, discoid rash, sun-related rash, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, mouth sores, polyarthritis, and neurological symptoms

    Diagnostic Tests

    • Antinuclear antibody test, anti-DNA antibody test, C-reactive protein, ESR, CBC, and U/A and renal function studies

    Treatment

    • No cure, focus on preventing complications, minimizing disability, and preventing organ damage
    • Immunosuppressive drug, steroids, and sun exposure avoidance
    • Nursing interventions: maintain good nutrition, balance rest and activity, stress reduction, encourage exercise, and teach signs and symptoms of infection and medication management

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    Learn about the characteristics of allergic disorders, including the types of allergens and examples of allergic reactions. Understand how allergens enter the body and trigger intense responses.

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