Immunity Terms NUR3

Question 1

Infections that occur more frequently or are more severe in people with weakened immune systems. They are caused by organisms that do not normally cause disease.

Answer 1

Opportunistic Infection

Question 2

the presence of viruses in the blood

Answer 2

Viremia

Question 3

typically harmless substance that triggers an abnormal immune response in individuals with hypersensitivity to that substance. This initiates a cascade of events leading to the release of inflammatory chemicals like histamine, causing symptoms such as sneezing, itching, rashes, swelling, or potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Answer 3

Allergen

Question 4

A severe, whole-body allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. It occurs when the immune system overreacts to a trigger, such as food, medication, insect venom, or latex. Symptoms develop rapidly and may include hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, dizziness, and a precipitous drop in blood pressure. It requires immediate medical treatment with epinephrine to counteract the widespread effects on multiple body systems. It is a medical emergency that can lead to shock, coma, and death without prompt intervention.

Answer 4

Anaphylaxis

Question 5

molecules that can trigger an immune response by binding to antibodies or antigen receptors on immune cells. They are typically large molecules like proteins, polysaccharides, or nucleic acids that the body recognizes as foreign or non-self.

Answer 5

Antigens

Question 6

also known as an allergy, is an excessive and damaging immune response to a typically harmless substance called an allergen. It occurs when the immune system overreacts to the allergen by producing antibodies that identify it as a threat, triggering the release of inflammatory chemicals like histamine. This results in various allergic symptoms ranging from mild (itching, sneezing, rashes) to severe and potentially life-threatening (difficulty breathing, anaphylaxis).

Answer 6

Hypersensitivity reaction

Question 7

a chronic autoimmune disease that causes dry mouth and eyes. It occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the glands that produce tears and saliva.

Answer 7

Sjogren’s Syndrome

Question 8

a partial dislocation, where the opposing joint surfaces only partially lose contact with each other. They can occur due to trauma or underlying conditions that cause joint instability or incongruity between the articulating bone surfaces.

Answer 8

Subluxation

Question 9

a condition where excessive scar tissue (fibrosis) forms in a joint, leading to stiffness, pain, and limited range of motion

Answer 9

Arthrofibrosis