Immunity Flashcards
Signs and symptoms of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- butterfly rash
- alopecia
- joint stiffness
- splinter hemorrhages
- Decreased circulation to extremities, remission, and exacerbation of pain
Risk factors for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- women of childbearing age
- people who are not Caucasians are more likely to get it.
- People who have a family history of autoimmune problems
Assessment findings of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- swelling in legs and around the eyes
- polyarthritis
- photosensitivity
- Low WBC
- Lupus nephritis
- Splinter hemorrhages
- Raynaud’s syndrome (Circulation issue that causes the extremities to be cool)
- Anemia
- leukopenia
- thrombocytopenia
Interventions for SLE
- Heat therapy
- dietician
- exercise routines
- prevent infections
- monitor for adverse effects of meds (Corticosteroids)
- use good hand hygiene
- vaccinations
Meds for SLE
- hydroxychloroquine
- steroids
- erythropoietin
- iron supplements
- antibiotics
- NSAIDs
- topical corticosteroids
Education for SLE
- avoid large crowds
- use sunscreen
- report signs of fever and infections
- keep stress levels under control
- avoid fluorescent lighting
- know the s/s of a flare
- pat skin dry as opposed to rubbing
- avoid drying agents like powders or alcohol gels, proper wound care.
- avoid high-dose birth control pills
Define Primary immunodeficieny
congenital and may affect T cells and/or B cells, may result from defects on WBCs
Give an example of primary immunodeficiency
A baby with an ear infection and thrush at risk for Primary immunodeficiency
Define Secondary Immunodeficiency
Typically results from trauma, stress, may result from cancer therapies, AIDS results from HIV
Define Allergy
An environmental or exogenous antigen that is in the body and it creates a hypersensitivity reaction
What is the difference between anaphylaxis and an allergy
Anaphylaxis is an allergy that is immediate and is systemic.
S/S of anaphylaxis
itchy throat, hives, redness, swelling, abdominal pain, glossitis, itchy skin conjunctivitis, headache, increased heat
Meds for anaphylaxis
Epinephrine, Benadryl, Oxygen if needed, Pepcid, steroid, bronchodilator
Treatment for anaphylaxis
oxygen, recumbent position, give fluids
Education for anaphylaxis
- Take allergy medications before exposure to the allergen.
- Tell the nurse if you feel anything different
- Teach about sings and symptoms of an allergic reaction
- Avoid the allergen
- Wear an allergy bracelet
- Educate about how to correctly use EpiPens
Symptoms of immunosuppression
- getting sick easily
- poor wound healing
- mucosal injury and ulcerations, biliary tract disease, diverticular disease, pancreatitis, malignancy
- weight loss or wasting
Aging and the immune system
- As we age we are more exposed to stress environmental factors, and bodily insults that lead to secondary immune conditions
- people over the age of 55 are more prone to transplantation problems
- Older adults sometimes have poor responses to immunizations
- The immune system may precipitate insulin resistance
When does the manufacture of immunoglobulins begin for pediatrics and when are normal values achieved?
Manufacture: 2 weeks of age
Normal values achieved: 6-7 years of age
Pediatrics and immunity
Newborns are more susceptible to get sick than other children. Especially a newborn that is premature because they did not get all of the IgG antibodies that they need
Give examples of people who have suppressed immune systems
People who have Chemo, Cystic Fibrosis, Lupus, AIDS/HIV, Steroid users
Give examples of people who have exaggerated immune responses
People with allergic reactions, leukocytosis, and dermatitis
What is innate immunity?
Something you’re born with
What is active acquired immunity
Exposure to something
What is passive acquired immunity?
When immunity is given from a mother to a baby through birth or breast milk
If someone has their spleen removed what should they be doing?
Getting their immunizations up to date.
When are you more likely to react to antigen?
When you are exposed to it a second time.
What are the warning signs of immunodeficiency?
- four or more new ear infections within a year
- two or more serious sinus infections within 1 year
- two or more months o taking antibiotics with little effect
- Two or more pneumonia within 1 year
- Failure of an infant to gain weight or grow normally
- Recurrent deep skin or organ abscesses
persistent thrush in the mouth or fungal infections on the skin - Need for IV antibiotics to clear infections
- Two or more deep-seated infections including septicemia
What warning signs do you have to have in order to be considered as having primary immunodeficiency?
2 or more of the warning signs.
What should people with suppressed immune systems remember about litter boxes and fecal matter of pets?
They should wear gloves or delegate the task to other family members
What assessment findings indicate that a person has a suppressed immune system?
Low WBC, weakness, ineffective antibiotic treatment, slow wound healing, diarrhea, recurring infections, weight loss
What are good interventions for someone with a suppressed immune system?
Good hand hygiene reduced sugar intake, exercise, increased fluid intake, infection control, stress relief, rest, safe sex, avoid animals, well-balanced diet, Counseling
Medications for immunosuppressed patients
Vitamin C, antivirals, antibiotics, vitamins, pain meds, chemotherapy, transfusions, antifungals, immunoglobulins
Education for immunosuppressed patients
No crowded areas like concerts, good hand hygiene, wearing a mask, more vaccines, lifestyle choices, infection control, when to call the doctor, wound care education, nutrition, proper pet management, signs and symptoms, take all antibiotics
What are the types of an exaggerated immune response?
Type1: Immediate hypersensitivity
Type 2: Cytotoxic hypersensitivity
Type 3. Immune complex-mediated response
Type 4: delayed-type hypersensitivity
Give examples of a type 1 response
bee stings, seasonal allergic rhinitis, anaphylaxis
Give examples of type 2 response
Transfusion reactions
Give examples of type 3 response
RA, SLE, MS
Give examples of type 4 response
Poison ivy allergic responses, and organ transplant rejection
How long does a type 4 response take to develop?
12-24 hours
How long should a person not be on steroids before their allergy testing?
24-48 hours
