Basics of Immunity
What is immunity?
A specific protective response to foreign agents.
Rationale:
Immunity refers to the body’s specific response to foreign organisms, not nonspecific responses
(Hinkle & Cheever, 2022).
What are the four stages of immune response?
Recognition, proliferation, response, effector.
Rationale:
Immune defense occurs in four coordinated phases beginning with antigen recognition and ending in pathogen elimination
(Hinkle et al., 2022)
What causes primary immune deficiencies?
Genetic defects.
Rationale:
Primary immune disorders arise from inherited or genetic immune dysfunction
(Hinkle et al., 2022)
Which immunoglobulin mediates allergic reactions?
IgE.
Rationale:
IgE binds mast cells and basophils, releasing chemicals responsible for allergy symptoms
(Hinkle et al., 2022)
Autoimmune disorders are more common in which gender?
Autoimmune disorders increase in females due to hormonal influences on immune regulation
(Hinkle et al., 2022)
Where do B lymphocytes mature?
Bone marrow.
Rationale:
B cells develop and mature in the bone marrow before migrating to lymphoid tissues
(Hinkle et al., 2022, ).
Which cells manufacture antibodies?
B lymphocytes/plasma cells.
Rationale:
Activated B cells transform into plasma cells that secrete antibodies
(Hinkle et al., 2022)
How soon must HIV postexposure prophylaxis begin?
Within 72 hours.
Rationale:
Antiretroviral prophylaxis must be initiated as soon as possible but no later than 72 hours after exposure
(Hinkle et al., 2022).
Which chemical mediator causes itching, swelling, and vasodilation?
Histamine.
Rationale:
Histamine triggers vascular permeability, smooth muscle contraction, and itching
(Hinkle et al., 2022)
What is a hallmark feature of autoimmune disorders like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis?
Immune system attacks healthy tissue.
Rationale:
Autoimmune diseases involve the immune system reacting against normal tissues, causing inflammation and damage
(Hinkle et al., 2022)
What is natural immunity?
A nonspecific defense present at birth.
Rationale:
Natural immunity includes inflammatory and phagocytic processes that defend against invaders without previous exposure
(Hinkle et al., 2022, ).
Which immune branch uses cytotoxic T cells?
Cellular immunity.
Rationale:
Cellular immunity involves cytotoxic T cells that directly destroy infected or abnormal cells
(Hinkle et al., 2022)
A CD4 count below which level defines AIDS?
200 cells/mm³.
Rationale:
A CD4 count <200 meets CDC criteria for AIDS classification
(Hinkle et al., 2022)
Anaphylaxis is what type of hypersensitivity reaction?
Type I.
Rationale:
Anaphylaxis is an IgE-mediated type I hypersensitivity and is potentially life-threatening
(Hinkle et al., 2022)
Which symptoms are characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis?
Small joint swelling, stiffness, and pain.
Rationale:
Rheumatoid arthritis commonly presents with joint inflammation and stiffness
(Hinkle et al., 2022)
Which immune branch produces antibodies?
Humoral immunity.
Rationale:
Humoral immunity activates B lymphocytes to produce immunoglobulins that bind antigens
(Hinkle et al., 2022).
What system is activated when an antibody binds an antigen?
Complement system.
Rationale:
Complement proteins enhance phagocytosis, defend against bacteria, and link innate and adaptive immunity
(Hinkle et al., 2022)
Which HIV-related disorder causes cognitive decline?
HIV encephalopathy.
Rationale:
HIV encephalopathy causes progressive impairment in cognition, motor function, and behavior
(Hinkle et al., 2022)
How long after treatment can rebound anaphylaxis occur?
4–8 hours.
Rationale:
A secondary “rebound” reaction may occur several hours after initial symptoms resolve
(Hinkle et al., 2022, p. ___).
Why may fibromyalgia patients feel unsupported?
Their symptoms are often dismissed.
Rationale:
Fibromyalgia patients frequently report feeling misunderstood or invalidated, requiring enhanced support
(Hinkle et al., 2022)
Which cells arrive first at inflammatory sites?
Neutrophils.
Rationale:
Neutrophils are typically the first leukocytes to respond to inflammation
(Hinkle et al., 2022)
Which system helps dispose of immune complexes?
Complement system.
Rationale:
Complement assists in clearing immune complex waste to maintain immune homeostasis
(Hinkle et al., 2022)
What is the primary goal of antiretroviral therapy (ART)?
Suppress viral replication and preserve immune function.
Rationale:
ART improves survival by reducing viral load and enhancing immune stability
(Hinkle et al., 2022)
What is the first-line medication in treating anaphylaxis?
Epinephrine.
Rationale:
Epinephrine rapidly reverses airway constriction and hypotension, making it the priority intervention
(Hinkle et al., 2022)
Name two major goals of rheumatic disease management.
Pain relief and maintaining mobility.
Rationale:
Treatment focuses on reducing discomfort and maximizing functional independence
(Hinkle et al., 2022)