IMMUNESYSTEM+ENDO W4 Flashcards
What are the functions of the lymphatic system?
- Defence against external phatogens (i.e. bacteria/virus)
- Defence against internal pathologies (i.e. tumor)
- Drain excessive fluid from tissue and return it to vena cava
What cells are important in the immune system?
- Lymphocytes (B, T and NK-cells)
- Phagocytes
Name some important anatomical structures of the immune system
- Red bone marrow
- Thymus
- Spleen
- Lymph nodes
- Lymph vessels
What is the definition of sepsis?
Systemic immune system overreaction causing multi organ failure
What are the signs & symptoms of sepsis?
- Proven infection
- qSOFA (RR >22, BP <100 systolic, GCS <15)
What are preventive measures to take regarding infections
- Take care of wounds (clean & cover)
- Work aseptic
- Avoid unnecessary procedures
- Profylactic ABx treatment
What are the main 3 types of vaccination forms (what is injected)?
- Small parts of the disease/pathogen
- Whole but weakened parts of the disease/pathogen
- Toxin that resembles the presence of the disease/pathogen
What is an allergy?
Hypersensivity/reaction to: Food, medicine, venoms, chemicals etc.
Signs of local allergic reactions?
- Urticaria (rash)
- Edeema
Signs of systemic allergic reactions?
- Respiratory (stridor, wheezing, choughing)
- Cardiovascular (shock, hypotension, tachycardia)
- Abdominal (pain, vomiting, diarrhoea)
What is the most important treatment of systemic allergic reaction when it causes hypotension, tachycardia and altered mental status?
Adrenaline 0,5mg IM (repeatable)
What is an infection?
Invasion of pathogens that causes inflammation
What is inflammation?
The response of an infection, disease or tissue damage
Signs of inflammation?
- Redness
- Swelling
- Heat
- Pain
- Loss of function
Name 4 types of pathogens?
- Bacteria
- Virus
- Fungus
- Parasites
What are the characteristics of a bacteria?
- Living organism
- Can create pus upon infection
- Some can secrete toxins
- Can be treated with ABx
What are the characteristics of a virus?
- DNA/RNA coated with protein (not living)
- Needs a host cell
- Limited treatment options (can’t be treated with ABx)
- Commonly causes airway, nervous, and GI-infections or an STD
What are the characteristics of a fungal infection?
- Usually on moist skin/areas
- Invasive infections are rare