Immune, HIV, AIDS Flashcards
What class of drugs does Maraviroc belong to?
Entry (fusion) inhibitor
What is the mechanism of action for Nucleoside/Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs)?
They inhibit reverse transcriptase to prevent viral replication in HIV
Name a Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NRTI) used in HIV treatment
Didanosine
What is the primary function of Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs)?
They directly inhibit reverse transcriptase enzyme activiy
Name an NNRTI used in HIV treatment
Nevirapine
What class of drugs does Raltegravir belong to?
Integrate Inhibitors
What is the function of Protease Inhibitors (PIs) in HIV therapy?
They prevent viral protein cleavage, inhibiting viral maturation
Name a protease inhibitor used in HIV treatment
Ritonavir
What is the purpose of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART)?
To reduce viral load and slow disease progression
What is the treatment for Pneumocystis pneumonia (PC) in HIV patients?
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Sentra)
What medication is used for cyptococcal meningitis in HIV patients?
amphotericin B and fluconazole
What medication is used to treat Kaposi Sarcoma in AIDS patients?
Chemotherapy (liposomal doxorubicin)
What is the preferred treatment for oral candidiasis in HIV patients?
Fluconazole or Nystatin
What drug is used as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention?
Tenofovir/emtricitabine (Truvada)
What medication is given as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV exposure?
A 28-day course of antiretrovirals, typically including tenofovir, emtricitabine, and raltegravir
What type of medications are used to treat anaphylaxis?
Epinephrine, antihistamines, corticosteroids
What medication is given before an IV immunoglobulin (IVIG) infusion?
Diphenhydramine and acetaminophen
What is the most important strategy for preventing latex allergy reactions?
Avoidance of latex-bases products
What class of drugs does Adalimumab belong to?
TNF-binding proteins (used in autoimmune disorders)
What medication should be avoided for at least 72 hours before allergy testing?
Antihistamines
What is the first line of defense in the immune system?
Physical and biochemical barriers such as skin, mucus, saliva, and tears
What is the second line of defense in the immune system?
Inflammation and innate immunity, which provides a non-specific response
What are the two major types of immunity?
Humoral (antibody-mediated) and cell-mediated immunity
What are the key cells involved in humoral immunity?
B-cell lymphocytes that produce antibodies
What is the role of memory cells in immunity?
They “remember” pathogens and provide long-term immunity after exposure
What are the key cells involved in cell-mediated immunity?
T-cell lymphocytes, including helper T cells, cytotoxic T cells, and suppressor T cells.
What is the function of natural killer (NK) cells?
They directly attack and destroy infected or cancerous cells
What are antigens?
Foreign substances that trigger an immune response
What are the five major types of immunoglobulins (antibodies)?
IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE, IgD
What type of immunity results from vaccination?
Artificially acquired active immunity
What is a hypersensitivity reaction?
An exaggerated immune response to a harmless antigen
What are the four types of hypersensitivity reactions?
Type I (anaphylactic), Type II (cytotoxic), Type III (immune complex), and Type IV (delayed)
What type of hypersensitivity reaction is anaphylaxis?
Type I (IgE-mediated)
What are common triggers for anaphylaxis?
Food allergies, insect stings, medications, and latex
What is the primary nursing intervention for anaphylaxis?
Administer epinephrine and ensure airway patency
What is the best way to prevent an anaphylactic reaction?
Avoid known allergens
What type of hypersensitivity reaction is a latex allergy?
Type I (immediate IgE-mediated) or Type IV (delayed contact dermatitis)
What are symptoms of a mild allergic reaction?
Hives (urticaria), itching, watery eyes, and sneezing
What nursing education should be provided to a client with a severe allergy?
Carry an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) at all times
What is a common nursing intervention for contact dermatitis?
Keep the skin well-moisturized and avoid irritants
What happens in an autoimmune disorder?
The immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues
What is an example of an autoimmune disorder affecting the joints?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
What is an example of an autoimmune disorder affecting multiple organs?
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
What organ is affected in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis?
The thyroid gland
What autoimmune disorder causes chronic dry eyes and dry mouth?
Sjogren’s syndrome
What is the primary nursing intervention for an autoimmune disease?
Educate the patient about symptom management and medication adherence
Why should clients with autoimmune disorders avoid live vaccines?
Immunosuppressive treatments weaken their immune response
What is the effect of corticosteroids on the immune system?
They suppress inflammation and immune responses
What lifestyle change is recommended for clients with autoimmune disorders?
Stress reduction and a balance diet to support immune health
What is the main goal of treatment in autoimmune diseases?
Reduce inflammation and prevent organ damage
What type of virus is HIV?
A retrovirus that uses reverse transcriptase to replicate
What cells does HIV primarily target?
CD4+ T-helper cells
How is HIV transmitted?
Blood, semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk, and perinatal transmission
What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?
AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection when CD4 count is below 200
What are early symptoms of HIV?
Fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, fatigue, and muscle aches
What is an opportunistic infection?
An infection that occurs due to a weakened immune system
Name an opportunistic infection common in AIDS patients
Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP)
What is AIDS-related wasting syndrome?
Severe weight loss due to chronic diarrhea and malnutrition
What should HIV/AIDS patients do to prevent infections?
Practice good hygiene and avoid any and all raw foods
What should a pregnant woman with HIV do to reduce transmission risk?
Take antiretroviral therapy and avoid breastfeeding
What is the priority nursing diagnosis for an AIDS patient with pneumonia?
Ineffective airway clearance
What is the most important infection control measure for immunocompromised patient?
Proper hand hygiene
Why should clients with HIVS/AIDS avoid cat litter?
Risk of toxoplasmosis infection
What dietary change is recommended for a client with chronic diarrhea from HIV/AIDS?
Low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet
What psychological support should be provided to newly diagnosed HIV clients?
Counseling, peer support groups, and mental health resources
What should be done if a healthcare worker experiences an HIV needle stick injury?
Immediately wash the site and seek post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)
Why are live vaccines contraindicated for immunocompromised clients?
They can cause infection due to a weakened immune system
What should a nurse teach a client about taking immunosuppressant medications?
Avoid crowds and sick individuals to reduce infection risk
Why is social support important for clients with chronic immune disorders?
It helps with medication adherence and emotional well-being
What should be included in discharge teaching for a client with AIDS?
Medication adherence, infection prevention, and healthy lifestyle habits
What are the primary diagnostic tests for HIV?
ELISA (screening), Western Blot (confirmation), PCR (viral load), CD4+ count (disease progression)
What is an opportunistic infection commonly diagnosed in AIDS patients?
Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP)-diagnosed via bronchoalveloar lovage (BAL) and special staining
What diagnostic test is used to confirm Cyrptosporidium infection in AIDS patients with diarrhea?
Stool specimen for ova and parasites
What is the confirmatory test for Kaposi Sarcoma?
Biopsy of skin lesions
How is cryptococcal meningitis diagnosed in HIV patients?
Lumbar puncture for cerebrospinal fluid (SCF) analysis
What test diagnoses Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) in AIDS patients?
Blood culture and acid-fast bacilli (AFB) staining
How is oral candidiasis diagnosed in HIV patients?
Clinical presentation and fungal culture
What test detects autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis?
Antinuclear antibody (ANA) and rheumatoid factor (RF) tests
How are food and environmental allergies diagnosed?
Skin prick test or radioallergosorbent test (RAST)
What lab value defines AIDS progression in an HIV patient?
CD4+ count below 200 cells
What is the role of inflammation in immunity?
Helps remove harmful agents and initiates healing
What are two types of acquired immunity?
Active (infection/vaccination)
Passive (maternal antibodies/IVIG)
What do natural killer cells do?
Attack virus-infected and cancerous cells
A client with AIDS presents with severe headache, fever, and stiff neck. What is the priority concern?
Cyptococcal meningitis
A client with HIV/AIDS is experiencing progressive memory loss and confusion. What condition is suspected?
AIDS Dementia Complex
A client with a history of multiple autoimmune disorders asks why they keep getting new conditions. How should the nurse respond?
Autoimmune diseases often cluster, increasing the risk of developing additional disorders asks
What are signs of AIDS dementia complex?
Memory loss, confusion, mood changes
Three lines of defense:
First line: physical & chemical barriers (skin, mucus, tears, normal flora)
Second line: inflammatory response (fever, WBCs, swelling)
Third line: Adaptive immunity (B cells & T cells)
Types of Immunity:
Innate immunity: Immediate, non-specific (skin, stomach acid)
Acquired immunity:
-Active: long-term immunity from infections or vaccines
-Passive: temporary immunity from mother to baby or antibody injections
Types of Hypersensitivity:
Type 1 (anaphylaxis, allergies)-IgE-mediated, immediate, treat with epi
Type II (cytotoxic)- blood transfusion reactions
Type III (immune complex)- autoimmune diseases (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
Type IV (Delayed, T-cell mediated)-TB skin test, poison ivy, latex allergy
-first line: give epi
-second line: antihistamine (diphenhydramine), corticosteroids, oxygen
-monitor: airway, vital signs, IV access, emergency equipment ready
HIV vs AIDS:
HIV: attacks CD4+ T-cells
AIDS: CD4+ count less than 200
Transmission: blood, semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk, perinatal; NOT spread by: tears, saliva, tears, urine, casual contact
PCP Pneumonia: dry cough, dyspnea
Oral candidiasis (thrush): white patches in the mouth
Kaposi Sarcoma: purple skin lesions
Tuberculosis (TB): night sweats, weight loss
-Monitor signs of infection (fever, weight loss
-Educate about ART therapy adherence
-Encourage safe practices (hand hygiene, avoiding raw foods)
Infection control for immunocompromised patients:
-Hand hygiene
-avoid crowds and sick people
-no live vaccines for immunocompromised patients
-proper PPE use: gloves, makes, gowns when necessary
Allergic Reactions & Nursing responsibilities:
Latex: use latex free gloves, catheters, syringes—be aware of cross reactions (bananas, kiwis, avocados)
Food allergies: peanuts, shellfish, dairy
Medication: penicillin, sulfa drugs
Environmental: pollen, pet dander
-Monitor for redness, swelling, difficulty breathing
-Educate to avoid antihistamines 48-72 hours before allergy testing
Medications need to know:
antihistamines: diphenhydramine (Benadryl)—for mild allergies
Epinephrine: used for anaphylaxis (EpiPen)
Corticosteroids: reduce inflammation in autoimmune conditions
ART: (antiretroviral therapy): For HIV-requires strict adherence
-Watch for side effects (drowsiness, weight gain, immunosuppression)
-Teach proper medication use (EpiPen injection technique)
-monitor infection risk in immunosuppressed patients
Immune disorders to watch for:
Vitals signs: monitor for fever, hypotension, respiratory distress
IV therapy: assist with fluids, administer prescribed IV meds
wound care: prevent infections in immunocompromised patients
Patient education: teach about medications, infection prevention, lifestyle modifications
