Mastery Level Quiz Chapter 33: Introduction to the Immune System

When obtaining a health history from a patient with possible abnormal immune function, what question would be a priority for the nurse to ask?

"Have you ever received a blood transfusion?"

A patient tells the nurse, "I can't believe I have ineffective immune function and am getting sick again. I exercise rigorously and compete regularly." What is the best response by the nurse?

"Rigorous exercise can cause negative effects on immune response."

Which of the following cell types are involved in humoral immunity?

B lymphocytes

An individual's exposure to an airborne pathogen has prompted an immune response that includes both cellular and humoral components. Which of the following activities is most closely associated with the humoral immune response?

B lymphocytes produce antibodies that are specific to the pathogen.

An experiment is designed to determine specific cell types involved in cell-mediated immune response. The experimenter is interested in finding cells that attack the antigen directly by altering the cell membrane and causing cell lysis. Which cells should be isolated?

Cytotoxic T cells

The nurse is aware that the phagocytic immune response, one of the body's responses to invasion, involves the ability of cells to ingest foreign particles. Which of the following engulfs and destroys invading agents?

Macrophages

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

A 16-year-old has been brought to the emergency department by his parents after falling through the glass of a patio door, suffering a laceration. The nurse caring for this client knows that the site of the injury will have an invasion of what?

Phagocytic cells

A client arrives at the clinic and reports a very sore throat as well as a fever. A rapid strep test returns a positive result and the client is given a prescription for an antibiotic. How did the streptococcal organism gain access to the client to cause this infection?

Through the mucous membranes of the throat

An infection control nurse is presenting an in-service reviewing the immune response. The nurse describes the clumping effect that occurs when an antibody acts like a cross-link between two antigens. What process is the nurse explaining?

Agglutination

A client undergoing a skin test has been intradermally injected with a disease-specific antigen on the inner forearm. The client becomes anxious because the area begins to swell. What advice should the nurse give to calm the client?

Assure the client that this is a normal reaction.

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

Which of the following is a age-related change associated with the immune system?

Decreased antibody production

A client is being treated for cancer and the nurse has identified the nursing diagnosis of Risk for Infection Due to Protein Losses. Protein losses inhibit immune response in what way?

Depressing antibody response

Which is the most important guideline for a nurse caring for immunosuppressed clients?

Follow the guidelines of the agency for controlling infections.

A client has recently been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, and is also receiving further testing for disorders of the immune system. The client works as an aide at a facility caring for children infected with AIDS. Which factors will hold significant implications during the client's assessment? Select all that apply.

Her work environment Her history of immunizations and allergies Her use of other drugs

Which of the following protective responses begin with the B lymphocytes?

Humoral

When the body is in contact with an allergen, this lymphocyte, located in the respiratory and intestinal mucosa, triggers the release of histamine. Choose that lymphocyte.

Ig E

What immunoglobulin is present in small amounts and is thought to be related to allergic responses?

IgE

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

A 6-year-old client is diagnosed with a viral infection of the respiratory system. Which will most likely be trying to fight the antigen?

Interferons

A woman has been diagnosed with breast cancer and is being treated aggressively with a chemotherapeutic regimen. As a result of this regimen, she has an inability to fight infection due to the fact her bone marrow is unable to produce a sufficient amount of what?

Lymphocytes

Upon reviewing the results of a complete blood count on a patient who is diagnosed with an acute infection what will the nurse expect to see elevated?

Neutrophil count

A client is admitted with cellulitis and experiences a consequent increase in white blood cell count. During what process will pathogens be engulfed by white blood cells that ingest foreign particles?

Phagocytosis

A client was scratched by an old tool and developed a virulent staphylococcus infection. During the immune response, circulating lymphocytes containing the antigenic message returned to the nearest lymph node. During what stage of the immune response did this occur?

Proliferation stage

An older adult client who is postmenopausal informs the nurse that she believes she has developed another urinary tract infection (UTI). What risk factors do female clients in this age group have? Select all that apply.

Residual urine Urinary incontinence Estrogen deficiency

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

The nurse is assessing a client's risk for impaired immune function. What assessment finding should the nurse identify as a risk factor for decreased immunity?

The client is under significant psychosocial stress.

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.

The spleen acts as a filter for old red blood cells, holding a reserve of blood in case of hemorrhagic shock. It is also an area where lymphocytes can concentrate. It can become enlarged (splenomegaly) in certain hematologic disorders and cancers. To assess an enlarged spleen, the nurse would palpate the area of the:

Upper left quadrant of the abdomen.

During a mumps outbreak at a local school, a teacher has been exposed. The client has previously been immunized for mumps, and consequently possesses:

acquired immunity.

What types of cells are the primary targets of the healthy immune system? Select all that apply.

cancerous cells foreign cells infectious cells

Decades ago, before the role of the tonsils and adenoids was better understood, it was typical after repeated bouts with tonsillitis to have a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. Today it is understood that the tonsils and adenoids are lymphoid tissues that:

filter bacteria from tissue fluid.

A client has had a splenectomy after sustaining serious internal injuries in a motorcycle accident, including a ruptured spleen. Following removal of the spleen, the client will be susceptible to:

infection because the spleen removes bacteria from the blood.

The body has several mechanisms to fight disease, one of which is sending chemical messengers. The messengers released by lymphocytes, monocytes, and macrophages have differing roles in the immune response. Which messenger enables cells to resist viral replication and slow viral replication?

interferons

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

naturally acquired active immunity

A client requires ongoing treatment and infection-control precautions because of an inherited deficit in immune function. The nurse should recognize that this client most likely has what type of immune disorder?

An autoimmune disorder

A gardener sustained a deep laceration while working and requires sutures. The date of the client's last tetanus shot was over 10 years ago. Based on this information, the client will receive a tetanus immunization which will allow for the release of what?

Antibodies

Immunocompetence is the ability of the immune system to cooperatively protect a person from external invaders and the body's own altered cells. Immunocompetence is maintained by white blood cells and:

lymphoid tissue.

A client is taking immunosuppressive medications to prevent the rejection of a transplanted kidney. Which adverse effect(s) should the nurse closely monitor in this client?

respiratory or urinary system infections

A patient is admitted with an infected leg, and the nurse notes an increase in his white blood cell (WBC) count. The nurse is aware that, during the immune response, pathogens are engulfed by WBCs that ingest foreign particles. What is this process known as?

phagocytosis

Immunoglobulins (also known as antibodies) promote the destruction of invading cells in various ways, using different mechanisms. Which mechanism is used by immunoglobulins to destroy pathogenic antigens?

neutralization precipitation agglutination

A nursing instructor is giving a lecture on the immune system. The instructor's discussion on phagocytosis will include:

neutrophils and monocytes.