Immune Basics
This term describes a healthy immune system’s ability to defend the body through vascular, chemical, and WBC activation.
What is immunocompetence?
This type of immune deficiency is present at birth due to inherited genetic mutations.
What is a primary immune deficiency disorder?
This type of immune deficiency results from external factors such as infections, medications, or therapies.
What is an acquired immune deficiency disorder?
This basic action is the simplest and most effective way to prevent infection.
What is frequent hand hygiene?
This common lab test with a differential provides an overview of WBC counts and immune cell activity.
What is a complete blood cell count (CBC)?
Immune dysfunction can occur as a result of infection, medical therapy, or exposure to these harmful substances.
What are toxins?
This severe congenital disorder affects both B and T cells, leaving infants defenseless against infection.
What is Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID)?
This viral infection leads to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
What is HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)?
Patients who are severely immunocompromised should be placed under this type of isolation precaution.
What is protective isolation?
This test detects antibodies and antigens in serum and is often used for HIV screening.
What is an ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay)?
An immune system that produces insufficient antibodies or immune cells is said to have this type of disorder.
What is an immune deficiency condition?
Children with eczema, recurrent infections, and thrombocytopenia may be diagnosed with this rare syndrome.
What is Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome (WAS)?
Chemotherapy and radiation cause bone marrow suppression, leading to decreased production of these vital defense cells.
What are white blood cells (WBCs)?
Patients on immunosuppressive therapy should avoid foods in this category to reduce pathogen exposure.
What are raw or unwashed foods?
When performing assessment, nurses should palpate these structures for enlargement or tenderness.
What are lymph nodes?
When the immune system overreacts and attacks the body’s own tissues, it’s known as this type of disorder.
What is a hyperactivation disorder (autoimmune or autoinflammatory)?
Name one common feature seen across most primary immune deficiency disorders.
What is recurrent or persistent infection?
(other correct responses might be “early onset in infancy” or “high morbidity."
This class of medications, used after organ transplants, suppresses the immune system to prevent rejection.
What are immunosuppressant drugs?
Immunosuppressed patients should avoid handling this common household pet waste due to toxoplasmosis risk.
What is cat litter?
Older adults with immune suppression may not present with this typical sign of infection.
What is fever?
Immune deficiency disorders can be divided into these two main types based on their cause or origin.
What are primary (congenital) and acquired (secondary) immune deficiency disorders?
This disorder involves congenital absence or underdevelopment of the thymus gland and causes severe T-cell deficiency.
What is DiGeorge Syndrome?
In AIDS, this specific type of T cell is destroyed, impairing immune response.
What are CD4+ T cells?
One lifestyle strategy that helps maintain immune health by reducing suppression from stress and fatigue.
What is obtaining adequate rest and managing stress?
This therapy provides passive immunity for patients unable to produce their own antibodies.
What is immune globulin therapy?