Immunology and Inflammatory Responses

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Questions and Answers

What is the function of nonspecific immune defenses?

To offer immediate but short-term protection (correct)

To provide long-term immunity

To generate signs and symptoms

To mobilize leukocyte

Which organs are part of the primary lymphoid organs?

Heart, lungs, and kidneys

Spleen, lymph nodes, and gut-associated lymphoid tissue

Kidneys, liver, and pancreas

Thymus, bone marrow, and liver (correct)

What is the purpose of laboratory studies and diagnostic tests in immune system disorders?

To visualize the affected area

To identify the causative agent

To monitor the progress of treatment

To rule out other possible causes (correct)

What is a risk factor for immune system disorders?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the spleen in the immune system?

To filter the blood Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of an impaired immune response?

Increased risk of infection Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of palpation in a physical examination?

To feel the affected area Signup and view all the answers

What is a nursing diagnosis for immune system disorders?

Risk for infection Signup and view all the answers

Which type of immunity involves the activation of immune cells to fight infections?

Cell-mediated immunity Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of IgE in the immune system?

Mediation of allergic reactions Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for an allergic or atopic reaction mediated by IgE?

Type I reaction Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of immune surveillance in the immune system?

Detection of cancer cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of IgG and IgM in the immune system?

Protection against bacterial infections Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a faulty immune response that leads to tissue damage?

Hypersensitivity reaction Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of IgA in the immune system?

Viral protection Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a state of tolerance to self-antigens?

Immune tolerance Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the immune system?

To initiate responses to eliminate 'non-self' foreign matter Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) in the immune system?

To differentiate between self and non-self cells Signup and view all the answers

Which type of immune response is characterized by an antigen-antibody reaction that affects the vascular endothelium?

Type III reaction Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the health history assessment in evaluating immune system function?

To elicit a description of symptoms, including onset, duration, location, and precipitation Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process by which the immune system learns to recognize and tolerate 'self' antigens?

Immunological tolerance Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a cardinal sign and symptom of immune system disorders?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of antigen presentation in the immune response?

To present antigens to T-cells for recognition and response Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for an overactive immune response to a harmless substance, such as pollen or dust?

Allergy Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Structure and Function of the Immune System

The immune system's primary purpose is to recognize "self" from "non-self" and initiate responses to eliminate "non-self" foreign matter, known as antigens.
The immune system acts to neutralize, eliminate, or destroy microorganisms that invade the body's internal environment before the invaders can multiply or overwhelm the body's defense mechanism.

Components of the Immune System

All cells have specific cell surface markers called Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) that are unique to the individual.
The body consists of several complex, overlapping protective systems, including:
- Intact skin
- Secretions
- Stomach acid
- Coughing and sneezing
The immune system includes two major components:
- Primary lymphoid organs (thymus, bone marrow, and probably the liver)
- Secondary lymphoid organs (spleen, lymph nodes, and gut-associated lymphoid tissue)

Function of the Immune System

Nonspecific immune defenses offer immediate but short-term protection, generating signs and symptoms (redness, heat, swelling, and pain), and mobilize leukocytes (phagocytosis).
Specific (adaptive) defenses include:
- Humoral (antibody) immunity:
  - IgA: viral protection
  - IgD: function unknown
  - IgE: allergy and parasitic infection
  - IgG/IgM: bacterial protection
- Cell-mediated (cellular) immunity (CMI):
  - Protection against most viral, fungal, and protozoal infections and slow-growing bacterial infections such as TB
  - Probable immune surveillance for malignant cells

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Type I reaction: an allergic or atopic reaction mediated by IgE
Type II reaction: caused by activation of the complement system, especially protein fragments 3a and C5a
Type III reaction: an antigen-antibody reaction that affects the vascular endothelium
Type IV reaction: contact dermatitis

Immune System Disorders

Chronic infections
Fever
Pruritus
Difficulty breathing
Joint pain
Risk factors for immune system disorders:
- Prenatal history (maternal exposure to HIV/AIDS)
- Personal risk factors (substance abuse)
- Family history (autoimmune disorders)

Nursing Assessment and Diagnosis

Health history: elicit a description of symptoms, including onset, duration, location, and precipitation
Physical examination: VS, inspection, palpation, auscultation
Laboratory studies and diagnostic tests: CBC, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate
Nursing diagnoses:
- Risk for infection
- Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements
- Acute or chronic pain
- Impaired physical mobility
- Impaired social interaction

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Description

This quiz covers the alterations in infectious and inflammatory immunological responses, including Type II and Type III reactions, and their effects on the immune system.