Chapter 35: Assessment of Immune Function

Use of anti-rejection drugs Clients who receive a kidney transplant must take immunosuppressant drugs to prevent rejection of the transplant. These drugs cause a compromised immune system. Renal transplant is not associated with excess lymphocytes, deficient circulating antibodies, or excess hemoglobin

A client has undergone a kidney transplant. The nurse is concerned about a compromised immune system in this client for which of the following reasons?

The release of antibodies Antibodies are chemical substances that destroy foreign agents such as microorganisms, which decrease the risk of infection at the site. A cell-mediated response occurs when T cells survey proteins in the body, actively analyze the surface features, and respond to those that differ from the host by directly attacking the invading antigen such as an organ transplant. Memory cells convert to plasma cells on reexposure to a specific antigen. When activated, B cells accumulate in lymphoid tissues and result in swollen lymph nodes. Passive immunity develops when ready-made antibodies are given to a susceptible person. They provide immediate but short- lived protection from an invading antigen.

A client is cutting vegetable for dinner and accidently cuts his finger. What response is desirable to destroy foreign agents such as microorganisms to prevent infection from developing in the finger?

Educating the patient about the diagnostic procedures and answer questions they may have about the possible diagnosis It is the nurse's role to counsel, educate, and support patients throughout the diagnostic process. Many patients may be extremely anxious about the results of diagnostic tests and the possible implications of those results for their employment, insurance, and personal relationships. This is an ideal time for the nurse to provide counseling and education.

A nurse is caring for a patient undergoing evaluation for possible immune system disorders. Which of the following interventions will best help support the patient throughout the diagnostic process?

Neutrophils and monocytes Neutrophils and monocytes are phagocytes, cells that perform phagocytosis.

A nursing instructor is giving a lecture on the immune system. Which of the following cells will the instructor include in her discussion on phagocytosis?

Foreign cells • Infectious cells • Cancerous cells The immune system's primary targets are infectious, foreign, or cancerous cells

As a nursing instructor, you realize the importance of your students understanding how the immune system works and its role to protect and defend the body from potential harm. What type of cells are the primary targets of the healthy immune system? Select all that apply.

White blood cells and lymphoid tissue The immune system is a collection of specialized white blood cells and lymphoid tissues that maintain immunocompetence. The function of these structures is assisted and supported by the activities of natural killer cells, antibodies, and nonantibody proteins such as cytokines and the complement system

Immunocompetence is the ability of the immune system to cooperatively protect a person from external invaders and the body's own altered cells. Which of the following specialized cells maintain immunocompetence?

• Intestines • Lungs Lymphoid tissue also is found on alveolar membranes in the lungs, mucous membranes of the intestines, and in the lining of the sinusoids of the liver.

Lymphoid tissues, which perform a function within the immune response, are found throughout the body. While the thymus gland, tonsils and adenoids, spleen and lymph nodes are lymphoid tissues, where else in the body can lymphoid tissues be found? Select all that apply.

• Walling off the pathogen • Promoting formation of fibrous scar tissue • Regeneration of scar tissue. • Activating phagocytes • Minimize blood loss Chemical mediators assist this response by minimizing blood loss, walling off the pathogen, activating phagocytes, and promoting formation of fibrous scar tissue and regeneration of injured tissue.

Which of the following are actions of chemical mediators? Select all that apply.

Lyse cells infected with virus Cytotoxic T cells play a role in graft rejection. B cells are lymphocytes important in producing circulating antibodies. Suppressor T cells are lymphocytes that decrease B-cell activity to a level at which the immune system is compatible with life. Helper T cells are lymphocytes that attack antigens directly

Which of the following is an action of cytotoxic T cells?

Decreased renal function ecreased renal circulation, filtration, absorption, and excretion contribute to the risk for UTIs. The antibody production decreases, skin become thinner, and the incidence of autoimmune disease increases with age

Which of the following is associated with impaired immunity relating to the aging patient?

Humoral A second protective response, the humoral immune response, begins with the B lymphocytes, which can transform themselves into plasma cells that manufacture antibodies. The first line of defense, the phagocytic immune response, involves the white blood cells (WBCs; granulocytes and macrophages), which have the ability to ingest foreign particles. The third mechanism of defense, the cellular immune response, also involves T lymphocytes, which can turn into special cytotoxic (or killer) T cells that can attack the pathogens. Recognition of antigens as foreign, or nonself, by the immune system is the initiating even in any immune response

Which of the following protective responses begin with the B lymphocyte

Natural killer cells Natural killer cells defend against microorganisms and some type of malignant cells. Memory cells are responsible for recognizing antigens from previous exposure and mounting an immune response.Cytotoxic T cells attack the antigen directly by altering the cell membrane and causing cell lysis and by releasing cytolytic enzymes and cytokines.

Which type of cells is capable of directly killing invading organisms and producing cytokines?

Naturally acquired active immunity Naturally acquired active immunity occurs as a result of an infection of a specific microorganism. Artificially acquired active immunity results from the administration of a killed or weakened microorganism or toxoid. Passive immunity develops when ready-made antibodies are given to a susceptible individua

Which type of immunity becomes active as a result of the infection of a specific microorganism?

Radiation destroys lymphocytes Radiation destroys lymphocytes and decreases the ability to mount an effective immune response. Radiation is not associated with an excess of lymphocytes or an excess or deficiency of hemoglobin.

client is diagnosed with multiple site cancers and has received whole-body irradiation. The nurse is concerned about a compromised immune system in this client for which of the following reasons?