HIV Patient Care and Management Quiz

Module on Inflammatory Response

• The module covers alterations in inflammatory and immunologic responses.
• Three lessons are outlined: Alteration in Inflammatory and Immunologic Response, Inflammatory Reactions, and Immunologic Reactions.

Introduction

• The immune system protects the host from pathogens.
• The immune system distinguishes self from non-self to eliminate invaders.
• Innate and adaptive mechanisms are involved in immune responses to pathogens.

Objectives

• Discuss the components and functions of the immune system.
• Compare antibody-mediated and cell-mediated immune responses.
• Describe the pathophysiology of wound healing, inflammation, and infection.
• Identify factors responsible for nosocomial infections.
• Provide teaching for clients with inflammation or infection and their families.
• Use the nursing process as a framework for individualized care.

Lesson 1: Definition of Inflammation

• Inflammation is a vascular and cellular response to trauma.
• Its purpose is to initiate the healing process.
• The body attempts to dispose of micro-organisms, foreign material, and dead tissues.

Lesson 1: Immune System

• The immune system consists of specialized cells, tissues, and organs.

• White blood cells (WBCs) or leukocytes are produced in bone marrow.

• WBCs circulate in the blood and through tissue spaces.

• WBCs or leukocytes have the general function of distinguishing own cells from foreign cells, and attaching and removing foreign cells or the body's own damaged cells.

• Complete blood count (CBC) includes WBC count measurement:

  • Normal count is 4500 – 10,000/mm³
  • Leukocytosis occurs when WBC count > 10,000/mm³
  • Leucopenia occurs when WBC count < 4500/mm³

• Different types of WBCs: granulocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes.

  • Granulocytes are the first line of defense against microbial invasion and are composed of neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.
    • Neutrophils comprise 55-70% of circulating leukocytes and are phagocytic cells.
    • Eosinophils (1-4%) are involved in allergic/inflammatory responses
    • Basophils (0.5-1%) contain heparin, SRS-A, and eosinophil chemotactic factor; they are involved in allergic/inflammatory reactions, and are released in response to allergens

• Monocytes (2-3%):

  • Mature into macrophages responsible for removing antigens, debris
  • Involved in inflammatory regulation and fever.

• Lymphocytes (20-40%):

  • Non-phagocytic
  • Involved in the specific targeted response to specific antigens and include T lymphocytes, B Lymphocytes, NK cells, which work together in immune responses.

Lesson 1: Types of WBC (WBC differential)

• The WBC differential measures percentage of different WBC types.
• Important in assessing an individual's immune status.
• Different cell types have different functions. - Neutrophils are involved in a multitude of immune responses.

Lesson 2: Inflammatory Reaction

• Skin functions include maintaining temperature, protecting internal organs, and sensing touch.
• The skin loses elasticity and its layer of fat, making it heal slower and be more prone to bruising.
• Skin health is impacted by a variety of factors, such as hygiene and nutrition.
• Discussion of bacterial infections (impetigo and folliculitis).

Lesson 3: Immunological Reactions

• Discusses antibody-mediated and cell-mediated immune response.
• Detailed description of various infectious diseases, each presented under detailed categories and includes symptoms, mode of transmission, signs, treatment, prevention.
• Covering the topics of Vaccine-Preventable Infectious Diseases, such as Poliomyelitis, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (whooping cough), Mumps, Measles(Rubella), German Measles, Chicken Pox.
• Description of the different categories related to the inflammatory and immunological responses covered.