Immune Foundations
What is immunocompetence
The immune system's ability to respond appropriately and effectively
List factors that increase risk for hypersensitivity?
genetics, exposure amount and frequency, route of entry, environmental factors, immune health
Which WBD increases with viral infection?
Lymphocytes
Which autoimmune disorder causes a butterfly rash and multi-organ involvement?
SLE
What life-threatening emergency can occur in advanced lupus?
renal failure
Name barriers that are part of natural immunity
Intact skin, saliva, tears, mucous membranes, cilia, stomach acid
What is the goal of environmental allergen control?
To reduce exposure to known triggers
Which diagnostic test shows general inflammation by measuring how fast RBCs settle?
ESR Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
Which autoimmune disorder causes symmetrical joint inflammation
RA
What deformities occur in advanced RA?
Swan neck deformity, ulnar drift
In humoral immunity, what type of lymphocyte produces antibodies
B cells
What type of hypersensitivity reaction causes delayed contact dermatitis?
Type IV reaction
Why may oder adults not develop a fever during severe infection?
The immune system's inflammatory response declines with age
Which disorder causes widespread pain with normal labs and brain fog?
Fibromyalgia
Tensilon test
The provider will inject edrophonium IV to increase the amount of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction which helps the nerve communicate with the muscle more effectively. A positive result shows quick and dramatic improvement in muscle weakness. Negative result shows none.
What are the three stages of the immune response
recognition, activation, response/destruction
What is the purpose of immunotherapy?
Gradual desensitization through controlled exposure
Which immune test identifies specific IgE antibodies to allergens
RAST test (radioallergosorbent test)
Which disorder destroys acetylcholine receptors leading to muscular weakness
MG
Ascending from feet up
When the patient recovers, it goes in descending order
Which immune response uses T cells to directly destroy infected cells?
Cell-mediated immunity
Name home items latex-allergic patients must avoid
Balloons, rubber bands, gloves, elastic in clothing, erasers, some adhesives
Name two age-related immune changes
Decreased T cell response, slower inflammation, reduced fever response, slower healing, increased autoimmunity
Which condition leads to hypothyroidism due to thyroid destruction
Hashimoto's thyroiditis
What is the priority assessment for Guillain-Barre?
Respiratory! Diaphragmatic involvement may necessitate intubation