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Questions and Answers
What is a key role of nurses in assessing a patient's susceptibility to infection?
Which factor is most likely to affect a patient's susceptibility to infection?
Why is it important for nurses to consider family history when assessing infection susceptibility?
What type of information should a nurse primarily focus on when evaluating the factors influencing susceptibility to infection?
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How can a nurse effectively gather information regarding a patient's susceptibility to infection?
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In addition to patient history, what should nurses consider when assessing infection susceptibility?
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What primarily contributes to the infant's immunity in the early stages of life?
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How does breastfeeding influence an infant's immune system?
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At what point does the child's immune system begin to mature?
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Which factor does NOT contribute to the susceptibility of infants to infections?
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What happens to susceptibility to infection as a person ages?
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Which is a characteristic of the aging process that affects the immune response?
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Which statement about infants and infections is correct?
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What is the factor that primarily hampers infants' ability to combat infections effectively?
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What type of infections are young and middle-aged adults most commonly affected by?
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What happens to cell-mediated immunity as individuals age?
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How does aging affect the skin's susceptibility to infection?
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Which statement is true regarding nutritional status and infection risk?
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Which childhood infection can be prevented through vaccination?
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What should nurses assess in patients with nutritional concerns?
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Which of the following changes in the body’s defenses commonly occurs due to aging?
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What role does normal flora play in the immune system of young and middle-aged adults?
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Study Notes
Patient Susceptibility to Infection
- Susceptibility to infection varies throughout a person's lifespan due to multiple factors.
- Nurses should collect comprehensive patient and family histories to identify relevant risk factors.
Age
- Infants have underdeveloped immune systems, relying on maternal antibodies for initial protection against infections.
- Breastfed infants receive additional antibodies from breast milk, enhancing immunity compared to bottle-fed infants.
- As children develop, their immune systems mature, yet they remain vulnerable to various infections.
Childhood Infections
- Common childhood infections include:
- Common cold
- Intestinal infections
- Mumps
- Measles (risk increases if not vaccinated)
Young and Middle-Aged Adults
- The immune system is generally robust and protects against infections in this age group.
- Key protective factors include:
- Normal flora
- Body system defenses
- Inflammatory responses
- Viruses are the primary cause of illnesses in this demographic.
Aging and Immunity
- Aging alters immune defenses, leading to increased susceptibility to infections.
- Notable changes include:
- Decline in cell-mediated immunity
- Structural and functional changes in skin, urinary tract, and lungs.
- Skin becomes thinner and less elastic, making it more prone to tears and pathogen invasion.
Nutritional Status
- Inadequate protein intake can lead to tissue breakdown exceeding synthesis, impairing immune function.
- Poor intake of carbohydrates and fats weakens body defenses and delays wound healing.
- Increased risk of infection in patients with heightened protein needs (e.g., trauma, burns, illness).
- Assessing dietary intake and swallowing capability is crucial for patient care.
Nutritional Needs Assessment
- Patients with digestive issues or confusion may struggle with adequate food intake, elevating their risk.
- Dietitians may assist in evaluating nutritional adequacy.
- Nurses play a key role in ensuring patients and families understand nutritional requirements prior to discharge.
Stress and Immune Function
- General adaptation syndrome describes the body's response to stress, both emotional and physical.
- Energy expenditure increases during the alarm phase, raising basal metabolic rate.
- Elevated serum glucose levels occur due to adrenocorticotropic hormone, which reduces unnecessary anti-inflammatory responses.
- Persistent stress can result in exhaustion and diminished energy reserves.
Disease Processes and Infection Risk
- Individuals with immune system disorders, such as:
- Leukemia
- AIDS
- Lymphoma
- Aplastic anemia are more susceptible to infections.
- Chronic diseases further heighten infection risk, including:
- Coronary artery disease
- Diabetes mellitus
- Arthritis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Cancer
- End-stage renal failure
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Emphysema
- Chronic bronchitis (COPD)
- Burns
Medical Therapy and Immunity
- Certain medications and therapies can diminish infection resistance.
- Nurses should review patient medication histories for drugs that may elevate susceptibility:
- Adrenal corticosteroids
- Cytotoxic or Antineoplastic agents
- Immunosuppressants
- Radiotherapy
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Description
This quiz explores the factors influencing a person's susceptibility to infections throughout their lifespan. It covers the differences in immunity from infancy to adulthood and highlights common infections at various stages of life. Understanding these concepts is crucial for healthcare professionals to provide appropriate patient care.
