Immune and Infectious Process

Question 1

What is the difference between acquired and natural immunity? Active and Passive Immunity?

Answer 1

Active: Natural- contact with antigen through clinical infection (Recovery from chicken pox, Measles, Mumps)

Active: Artificial- Immuniztion with antigen (live/killed)

Passive: Natural- Transfer from mom to child( neonate)

Passive: Artificial- Injection of serum from immune human

Question 2

What is the advantage of the secondary immune response?

Answer 2

Secondary response is faster (1-3 days), stronger and lasts for a longer time than primary.

Question 3

List factors responsible for secondary immunodeficiencies in patients.

Answer 3

Drug induced Immunodeficiency- corticosteroids, chemotherapy

Age: infants, older adults

Malnutrition

Therapies

Disease/disorders

Stress

Question 4

How does knowing the portal of exit help the nurse determine what personal protective equipment is needed?

Answer 4

Portal of exit is the path by which the causative agent gets out of the reservoir. Ex. body fluids, bacteria, MRSA can grow and live on the skin. and may have multiple paths of exit from the body. Knowing the infected organism and it’s portal of entry to cause risk for infection… Ex. mouth, nose, eyes, cuts, skin abrasions, The RN will know what the risk is and how best to be protected.. i.e. goggles, gloves, gowns, masks, etc…