Infection
What is an infection?
Invasion/multiplication of a pathogen in the body.
What is the body's first line of defense against pathogens?
Skin/mucous membranes.
What are immunoglobulins also called?
Antibodies
What type of infection do antibiotics treat?
Bacterial
Name one link in the Chain of Infection.
Any of the six: infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, susceptible hos
How do B cells and T-helper cells work together?
T-helper cells activate/support B cells → B cells differentiate into plasma cells → antibodies are produced.
Which immunoglobulin is involved in allergies?
IgE
Do antibiotics treat viruses?
No they do not
A patient has a fever, increased HR, and elevated WBC. What do these findings suggest about the body's response to infection? (What is psysiolgicaly happening to the body)
An immune/inflammatory response to infection.
Which cells make antibodies?
B-cells
Which immunoglobulin is the first produced during a new infection?
IgM (M-Mother comes first)
What should you check before giving an antibiotic?
Patient Allergies
A patient with a UTI ( Urinary Tract Infection) develops fever, tachycardia, confusion, and decreased urine output. What complication should the nurse be concerned about?
Sepsis/possible organ dysfunction.
Which cells help coordinate the immune response?
T-helper cells
What immunoglobulin is the most abundant in the blood?
IgG
As a nurse what patient teaching would be most appropiate for a patient taking an antibiotic?
Take it as prescribed, and take the full course!
A patient with an infection develops hypotension, altered mental status, and decreased urine output. Explain how the infection can lead to sepsis. (Explain the process in order)
inflammation --> vasodilation ---> capillary leakage → impaired perfusion → organ dysfunction.
What type of cell helps fight infection?
White Blood Cells (WBC's)
What do immunoglobulins help the body fight?
Infections
A patient develops trouble breathing and facial swelling after an antibiotic. What is this a sign of?
Anaphylaxis