Immune system in the older adult
What recommendations should the nurse tell a 94yr old pt in regard to their deteriorated cell-mediated immunity.
As the older adult loses some of the cell-mediated immunity, especially against pneumonia and influenza, it is recommended that they acquire the immunization.
What is the etiology of an auto immune disease?
Autoimmune disorders are failures of the tolerance to “self.” B and T cells produce autoantibodies that can cause pathophysiologic tissue damage. Autoimmune disorders may be described as an immune attack on the self and result from the failure to distinguish “self” protein from “foreign” protein.
What is the definition of Immunocompetence?
Immunocompetence is demonstrated by the immune system responding appropriately to a foreign stimulus and the body’s integrity is maintained as with cold symptoms that resolve without residual illness.
What type of cells release histamine during the inflammatory response?
Basophils release histamine.
How does aging effect the immune system?
Normal aging causes deficiencies in both B and T cell activation, but the bone marrow is essentially uncompromised. The thymus decreases in size.
What is the first nursing intervention when a pt presents with symptoms of Anaphylaxis?
Protecting the airway and provide O2 if necessary
How does the Complement System activate?
The complement system is a group of plasma proteins that are dormant until there is an antigen-antibody interaction. The proteins destroy the cell membrane and attract phagocytes.
Which substance is released by the T cells that stimulates the lymphocytes to attack an inflammation?
Lymphokines help attract macrophages to the site of the inflammation.
The older adult has a decrease in _________?
number of T-cells.
Why would the nurse ask the pt to wait 30mins before leaving the Dr office after receiving an injection of abx?
Antibiotic administration is a common cause of anaphylaxis. The patient is asked to wait to allow medical personnel to reverse the condition should it occur within minutes after an injection.
What is the definition of Passive Artificial Immunity?
When a person receives an inoculation of antibodies from another source, as with vaccines, it is considered a passive artificial immunity.
A pt was at the allergy clinic for testing and started showing signs of an allergic reaction. What is the nurses initial action?
Injection of subcutaneous epinephrine should be given at the first sign of allergy.
Older adults are prone to GI infections because they have a decreased production of?
Saliva and Gastric secretions
Which concern is a major negative effect of cell-mediated immunity?
Cell-mediated immunity has the negative effect of rejection of transplanted tissue. Activation of T cells and stimulation of B cells are the positive basis of the cell-mediated immunity.
What is the definition of Naturally Acquired Immunity?
a type of immunity where the body is exposed to an antigen and responds by producing its own antibodies.
Health care facility's have done what to reduce the number of latex allergy reactions?
Use powder free gloves
How does normal aging change the immune system?
B cells show deficits in activity
Name at least 3 autoimmune disorders that are treated with plasmapheresis?
Autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, myasthenia gravis, thrombocytopenic purpura, rheumatoid arthritis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome are treated with plasmapheresis.
What is a common cause for secondary immunodeficiency?
Chemotherapy and radiation
What are the most concerning side effects from administration of epinephrine?
bronchodilation and vasoconstriction