Chapter 33 Introduction to Immune System, PrepU

A patient is being treated in the intensive care unit for sepsis related to ventilator-associated pneumonia. The patient is on large doses of three different antibiotics. What severe outcome should the nurse monitor for in the lab studies?

Bone marrow suppression Explanation: Antibiotics, when given in large doses, can cause bone marrow suppression.

A client's current immune response involves the direct destruction of foreign microorganisms. This aspect of the immune response may be performed by what cells?

Cytotoxic T cells Explanation: Cytotoxic T cells (also called CD8 + cells) participate in the destruction of foreign organisms. Memory T cells and suppressor T cells do not perform this role in the immune response. The complement system does not exist as a type of T cell.

A nurse has admitted a client who has been diagnosed with urosepsis. What immune response predominates in sepsis?

Humoral Explanation: Most immune responses to antigens involve both humoral and cellular responses, although only one predominates. For example, during transplantation rejection, the cellular response predominates, whereas in the bacterial pneumonias and sepsis, the humoral response plays the dominant role. Neither mitigated nor nonspecific cell response is predominant in this situation.

A client with a history of dermatitis takes corticosteroids on a regular basis. The nurse should assess the client for which of the following complications of therapy?

Immunosuppression Explanation: Corticosteroids such as prednisone can cause immunosuppression. Corticosteroids do not typically cause agranulocytosis, anemia, or low platelet counts.

A gerontologic nurse is caring for an older adult client who has a diagnosis of pneumonia. What age-related change increases older adults' susceptibility to respiratory infections?

Impaired ciliary action Explanation: As a consequence of impaired ciliary action due to exposure to smoke and environmental toxins, older adults are vulnerable to lung infections. This vulnerability is not the result of thymus atrophy, stenosis of the bronchi, or loss of diaphragmatic muscle tone.

A 20-year-old client cut a hand while replacing a window. While reviewing the complete blood count (CBC) with differential, the nurse would expect which cell type to be elevated first in an attempt to prevent infection in the client's hand?

Neutrophils Explanation: Neutrophils (polymorphonuclear leukocytes [PMNs]) are the first cells to arrive at the site where inflammation occurs. Eosinophils and basophils, other types of granulocytes, increase in number during allergic reactions and stress responses.

Which of the following occurs when the antigen-antibody molecule is coated with a sticky substance what also facilitates phagocytosis?

Opsonization Explanation: Some antibodies assist in removal of offending organisms through opsonization. In this process, the antigen-antibody molecule is coated with a sticky substance that also facilitates phagocytosis. One antibody can act as a cross-link between two antigens, causing them to bind or clump together. This clumping effect, referred to as agglutination, helps clear the body of the pathogen by facilitating phagocytosis. The portion of the antigen involved in binding with the antibody is referred to as the antigenic determinant. Circulating plasma proteins, known as complement, are made in the liver and other sites and activated when an antibody connects with its antigen.

A nurse is admitting a client who exhibits signs and symptoms of a nutritional deficit. Inadequate intake of what nutrient increases a client's susceptibility to infection?

Proteins Explanation: Depletion of protein reserves results in atrophy of lymphoid tissues, depression of antibody response, reduction in the number of circulating T cells, and impaired phagocytic function. As a result, the client has an increased susceptibility to infection. Low intake of fat and vitamin B12 affects health, but is not noted to directly create a risk for infection. Low intake of complex carbohydrates is not noted to constitute a direct risk factor for infection.

The nurse should recognize a client's risk for impaired immune function if the client has undergone surgical removal of which of the following?

Spleen Explanation: A history of surgical removal of the spleen, lymph nodes, or thymus may place the client at risk for impaired immune function. Removal of the thyroid, kidney, or pancreas would not directly lead to impairment of the immune system.

Which statement accurately reflects current stem cell research?

The stem cell is known as a precursor cell that continually replenishes the body's entire supply of both red and white cells. Explanation: The stem cell is known as a precursor cell that continually replenishes the body's entire supply of both red and white cells. Stem cells comprise only a small portion of all types of bone marrow cells. Research conducted with mouse models has demonstrated that once the immune system has been destroyed experimentally, it can be completely restored with the implantation of just a few purified stem cells. Stem cell transplantation has been carried out in human subjects with certain types of immune dysfunction, such as severe combined immunodeficiency. Clinical trails are underway in clients with a variety of disorders with an autoimmune component, including systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, and multiple sclerosis.

Renal function decreases

Which condition is associated with impaired immunity relating to the aging client?

A client's recent diagnostic testing included a total lymphocyte count. The results of this test will allow the care team to gauge what aspect of the client's immunity?

ell-mediated immune function Explanation: A total lymphocyte count is a test used to determine cellular immune function. It is not normally used for testing humoral immune function and the associated antigen-antibody.