Module 2 Flashcards
What is immunity?
The body’s ability to resist infection and disease.
What are the two main types of immunity?
- Innate (nonspecific)
- Adaptive (specific)
What is the function of the immune system?
Identifies and neutralizes pathogens while maintaining self-tolerance.
What is the first line of defense in the immune system?
Skin, mucous membranes, secretions.
What comprises the second line of defense in the immune system?
Inflammatory response, phagocytes.
What is the third line of defense in the immune system?
Adaptive immune response (B & T cells).
What is active immunity?
Body produces its own antibodies.
What is natural active immunity?
Infection exposure (e.g., recovering from chickenpox).
What is artificial active immunity?
Vaccination (e.g., MMR vaccine).
What is passive immunity?
Antibodies received from another source.
What is natural passive immunity?
Maternal antibodies (placenta, breast milk).
What is artificial passive immunity?
Immunoglobulin injection (e.g., rabies post-exposure prophylaxis).
What are the functions of macrophages?
Engulf pathogens; antigen-presenting.
What is the role of neutrophils?
First responders, phagocytosis.
What is the function of dendritic cells?
Present antigens to T cells.
What do B cells do?
Produce antibodies; memory function.
What are helper T cells (CD4) responsible for?
Coordinate immune response.
What is the role of cytotoxic T cells (CD8)?
Destroy infected cells.
What do natural killer (NK) cells attack?
Virus-infected & cancer cells.
What is the most abundant immunoglobulin?
IgG.
What immunoglobulin is found in mucosal secretions?
IgA.
What immunoglobulin is the first responder to infection?
IgM.
What does IgE involve?
Involved in allergic reactions.
What is the regulatory role of IgD?
Role in B cell activation.
What is vasodilation in the inflammatory response?
Increases blood flow (redness, heat).
What happens during increased permeability in inflammation?
WBCs & proteins leak into tissues (swelling).
What is phagocytosis?
Neutrophils & macrophages engulf pathogens.
What are chemical mediators in inflammation?
- Histamine
- Prostaglandins
- Cytokines
What is hypersensitivity?
An exaggerated immune response to a harmless antigen.
What are the types of hypersensitivity?
- Type I (Immediate/Allergic)
- Type II (Cytotoxic)
- Type III (Immune Complex)
- Type IV (Delayed)
What causes Type I hypersensitivity?
Pollen, food allergens, insect stings, drugs (penicillin).
What is the diagnostic test for Type I hypersensitivity?
Skin Prick Test.
What should be monitored in anaphylaxis?
Ensure airway patency and administer medications promptly.
What is the treatment for anaphylaxis?
Epinephrine, oxygen, IV fluids.
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Chronic, systemic autoimmune disease causing inflammation of synovial joints.
What are common complications of rheumatoid arthritis?
- Joint deformities & disability
- Rheumatoid nodules
- Osteoporosis
- Vasculitis
- Cardiovascular disease
- Infections
What are the first-line drugs for rheumatoid arthritis?
- Methotrexate
- Hydroxychloroquine
- Sulfasalazine
What is the significance of a positive Rheumatoid Factor (RF)?
Positive in ~70-80% of cases.
What is the role of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in HIV treatment?
Combination of drugs to reduce viral load.
What is the hallmark of HIV/AIDS monitoring?
CD4 count.
What is the primary cause of HIV transmission?
Unprotected sex with an infected person.
What are the key symptoms in the acute phase of HIV?
- Flu-like symptoms
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Rash
- Lymphadenopathy
What is the lifespan consideration for infants regarding immunity?
Passive immunity from mother; first vaccines at birth.
What is the role of nutrition in health promotion for immune function?
Balanced diet, adequate vitamins (A, C, D, E, zinc).
What are the common side effects of vaccines?
- Soreness
- Redness
- Mild fever
- Fatigue
What is the significance of the EpiPen in allergic reactions?
Administered for severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).
What is the importance of patient education in managing allergies?
Recognize early symptoms of an allergic reaction and avoid known triggers.
What is the risk associated with Hydroxychloroquine?
Risk for retinal toxicity
Regular eye exams are necessary for patients on Hydroxychloroquine.
What is a key point to monitor when using NSAIDs?
Monitor for GI bleeding and kidney function
Take NSAIDs with food to reduce GI upset.
What are the risks associated with long-term use of Corticosteroids?
Osteoporosis, weight gain, hyperglycemia
Taper slowly to avoid adrenal insufficiency.
What is a significant aspect of patient education for those on immunosuppressants?
Report signs of infection
Patients should also get regular eye exams if on Hydroxychloroquine.
What differentiates Osteoarthritis (OA) from Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?
OA is primarily a degenerative joint disease, while RA is an autoimmune disorder.
What are the two main types of Lupus Erythematosus?
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE)
SLE affects multiple organs, while DLE involves skin only.
What is the primary diagnostic test for Lupus?
Antinuclear Antibody (ANA)
It is positive in most lupus patients.
List three environmental triggers associated with Lupus.
- Sunlight
- Infections
- Stress
What are common signs and symptoms of Lupus?
- Joint pain
- Butterfly rash
- Proteinuria
- Fatigue
- Seizures
What nursing intervention is crucial for managing Lupus?
Administer medications as prescribed
Encourage rest and balanced activity.
What complication can arise from Lupus Nephritis?
Kidney damage, leading to renal failure.
What is the goal of treatment for lupus?
Control inflammation and prevent organ damage.
What are the common drugs used as Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)?
Ibuprofen, Naproxen
Monitor for GI bleeding and kidney function.
What should be done to avoid complications in a patient taking Corticosteroids?
Taper the medication slowly.
Fill in the blank: Common drugs for DMARDs include _______.
Methotrexate, sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine.
What are potential side effects of Hydroxychloroquine?
Vision loss and toxicity
Regular visual exams every 6 months are recommended.
What should patients avoid while on immunosuppressants?
Live vaccines.
List two common side effects of NSAIDs.
- GI upset
- Nephrotoxicity
True or False: Abrupt discontinuation of Corticosteroids can be fatal.
True
What lifestyle modification can help manage Lupus?
Avoid sun exposure and manage stress.
What hematologic issues can occur in Lupus patients?
Anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia.
