Immune System Overview

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What is the primary function of the immune system?

To protect the body from antigens (correct)
To transport oxygen throughout the body
To digest food and absorb nutrients
To regulate body temperature

Which of the following is an example of an antigen?

Antibody
Microorganism (correct)
Red blood cell
Platelet

What term describes a condition in which the immune system is unable to respond effectively?

Hypersensitivity
Autoimmunity
Inflammation
Immunodeficiency (correct)

Which organ is responsible for the maturation of T lymphocytes?

Thymus gland (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of immunity is present at birth?

Innate immunity (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism behind naturally acquired active immunity?

Exposure to a live pathogen and developing the disease (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of artificially acquired passive immunity?

Receiving antivenom (C) Signup and view all the answers

What are the characteristic signs of inflammation?

Redness, swelling, heat, pain, and loss of function (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors can suppress the immune system?

Chronic stress (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to ask about allergies during a patient interview?

To identify potential triggers for allergic reactions (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of palpating lymph nodes during a physical examination?

To check for enlargement or tenderness (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which diagnostic test measures the number of white blood cells in the blood?

White blood cell (WBC) count (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infection?

Hand hygiene (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of medication is used to treat bacterial infections?

Antibiotics (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is adequate nutrition important for immune function?

It supports the production of immune cells and antibodies (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which nursing diagnosis indicates an increased vulnerability to pathogenic organisms?

Risk for Infection (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of patient education in the context of immune disorders?

To promote self-care and prevent complications (C) Signup and view all the answers

How should the effectiveness of nursing interventions be evaluated?

Based on patient outcomes (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which lymph nodes contribute to immune defense?

Filtering pathogens and antigens from lymph (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best differentiates between active and passive immunity?

Active immunity involves the body producing its own antibodies, while passive immunity involves receiving antibodies from an external source. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A patient undergoing chemotherapy is at an increased risk for infection. Which of the following nursing interventions is most appropriate?

Monitoring white blood cell count and implementing neutropenic precautions (B) Signup and view all the answers

A client is diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disorder. Which of the following pathophysiological processes is characteristic of SLE?

The body's immune system attacks its own tissues and organs. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of the spleen in the immune system?

Filtering blood and removing damaged red blood cells and pathogens (B) Signup and view all the answers

A patient reports a history of anaphylaxis to bee stings. What type of immunity would be provided by an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) in response to a bee sting?

Epinephrine is not related to immunity (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which laboratory result would a nurse expect to see elevated in a patient experiencing an acute inflammatory response?

Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (C) Signup and view all the answers

A nursing diagnosis of 'Ineffective Protection' is most appropriate for a patient with which condition?

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the most accurate definition of immunomodulators?

Medications which stimulate or suppress the immune system (D) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is investigating a novel therapeutic approach to enhance naturally acquired passive immunity in newborns. Which of the following strategies aligns with this objective?

Encouraging exclusive breastfeeding to facilitate the transfer of maternal antibodies (D) Signup and view all the answers

An elderly patient with a history of malnutrition is admitted to the hospital with pneumonia. Based on the understanding of factors affecting immune function, which intervention is a priority for this patient?

Providing a high-protein, nutrient-dense diet to support immune function (A) Signup and view all the answers

Certain medications, such as which of the following, weaken the immune system?

Corticosteroids (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role that bone marrow plays in immunity?

Producing stem cells which differentiate into specialized cells including lymphocytes (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which activity constitutes supportive care as a therapeutic measure?

Adequate nutrition (A) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher aims to develop a novel vaccine that provides long-term protection against a highly variable virus. Which approach is most likely to achieve this goal?

Using a live, attenuated form of the virus to stimulate a strong cellular and humoral immune response (A) Signup and view all the answers

A patient develops naturally acquired active immunity. What event must have occurred?

The person was exposed to a live pathogen, developed the disease, and became immune (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why might chemotherapy compromise the immune system?

Chemotherapy can damage the immune system (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of precaution would most likely be used for a patient with a known infection?

Transmission-based precautions (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of assessing vital signs for fever, tachycardia, and tachypnea?

To check for signs of infection or sepsis (B) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher discovers a novel cytokine that selectively inhibits the maturation of B lymphocytes without affecting other immune cells. What would be the most likely consequence of administering this cytokine to an individual?

Reduced ability to generate humoral immune responses (A) Signup and view all the answers

In a patient with a compromised immune system, what is the rationale behind the nurse promoting stress management techniques?

To mitigate immunosuppression caused by chronic stress (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most important action for a nurse to take to prevent infection?

Hand hygiene (D) Signup and view all the answers

If a patient has a nursing diagnosis of "Social Isolation", how might this impact their immunity?

Social Isolation may lead to increased stress, which suppresses the immune system (D) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is evaluating the efficacy of a novel therapeutic intervention designed to enhance the function of the thymus gland in elderly individuals. Which outcome would best indicate successful enhancement of thymus function?

Enhanced differentiation and maturation of T lymphocytes (B) Signup and view all the answers

A patient is prescribed an immunosuppressant medication following an organ transplant. What would be an important point of education?

The patient should avoid vaccinations without consulting their healthcare provider, and be vigilant about infection control measures. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is immunity?

The body's ability to resist disease.

What does the immune system do?

Protects the body from harmful substances like microorganisms and toxins.