Immunity Basics
What type of immunity do you get from a vaccine?
Answer: Active immunity
Rationale: Vaccines stimulate your body to make its own antibodies, creating long-term protection.
What vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis?
Answer: DTaP
Rationale: This is a common childhood vaccine protecting against 3 serious infections.
What is a common mild reaction to vaccines?
Answer: Redness or swelling at injection site
Rationale: This shows the immune system is responding.
What type of cells does chemotherapy mainly target?
Answer: Fast-growing cells
Rationale: Cancer cells grow quickly, but healthy cells can also be affected.
Which drugs work during DNA replication (S-phase)?
Answer: Antimetabolites
Rationale: They block DNA building, stopping cell growth.
Is passive immunity long-lasting or temporary?
Answer: Temporary
Rationale: Passive immunity gives ready-made antibodies, but the body does not remember how to make them.
How often do adults need a tetanus booster (Td)?
Answer: Every 10 years
Rationale: Immunity decreases over time, so boosters are needed.
What is a common general side effect after vaccines?
Answer: Fever
Rationale: Fever is part of the immune response.
What is a common side effect of chemotherapy?
Answer: Hair loss (alopecia)
Rationale: Hair cells grow quickly and are damaged by chemo.
Which drugs damage DNA to stop cancer growth?
Answer: Alkylating agents
Rationale: They prevent cancer cells from reproducing.
What is an example of passive immunity?
Answer: Antibodies from mother to baby (breast milk or placenta)
Rationale: The baby receives antibodies instead of making them.
What vaccine is given every year?
Answer: Influenza (flu vaccine) and/or COVID-19
Rationale: Flu strains change yearly, so protection must be updated.
What is a severe allergic reaction called?
Answer: Anaphylaxis
Rationale: This is rare but life-threatening and requires emergency care.
What is another common chemo side effect?
Answer: Nausea and vomiting
Rationale: The GI tract is affected by chemo.
Which drugs stop cell division (mitosis)?
Answer: Antimitotics
Rationale: They block the M phase of the cell cycle.
Does active immunity take time to develop or work immediately?
Answer: Takes time
Rationale: The immune system needs days to weeks to build antibodies.
Should pregnant patients receive live vaccines like MMR?
Answer: No
Rationale: Live vaccines can harm the fetus.
What rare nerve condition is linked to some vaccines?
Answer: Guillain-Barré syndrome
Rationale: It is an autoimmune condition affecting nerves.
What is combination chemotherapy?
Answer: Using multiple drugs together
Rationale: It improves effectiveness and reduces resistance.
Which drugs cut DNA strands to stop replication?
Answer: Topoisomerase inhibitors
Rationale: They interrupt DNA structure and replication.
Does passive immunity require your body to make antibodies?
Answer: No
Rationale: The antibodies are given directly, not made by the body.
At what age is HPV vaccine usually started?
Answer: 11–12 years
Rationale: Given before exposure to HPV for best protection.
What serious brain condition can occur after DTaP (rare)?
Answer: Encephalopathy
Rationale: This is a severe neurological reaction.
What is myelosuppression?
Answer: Decreased bone marrow function
Rationale: Leads to low blood cells (infection, anemia, bleeding risk
Which drugs treat hormone-dependent cancers?
Answer: Hormonal agents
Rationale: They block or change hormones that tumors need to grow.