Immunity

Active immunity

The body actively produces its own antibodies; long-lasting but takes time to develop.

Active natural immunity

Immunity developed after natural exposure to an infection (e.g., chickenpox); the body fights off the infection and develops antibodies.

Active artificial immunity

Immunity developed after vaccination; exposure to a safe component of a pathogen stimulates antibody production.

Passive immunity

The body receives pre-formed antibodies from another source; provides immediate but temporary protection.

Passive natural immunity

Antibodies pass from mother to baby via placenta or breast milk.

Passive artificial immunity

Antibodies are given directly (e.g., IV immunoglobulin) to provide immediate protection.

Autoimmune disorder

Immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own healthy tissues (e.g., Hashimoto's thyroiditis).

Hashimoto's thyroiditis

An autoimmune disorder in which antibodies attack the thyroid gland.

Immunodeficiency disorder

The immune system is absent or deficient, increasing susceptibility to infections.

Primary immunodeficiency

Congenital immunodeficiency caused by a genetic defect.

Secondary immunodeficiency

Acquired immunodeficiency caused by external factors like malnutrition, immunosuppressive drugs (e.g., corticosteroids), or chronic infections such as HIV.

Hypersensitivity reaction

An exaggerated or inappropriate immune response to a perceived threat (e.g., allergies, including anaphylaxis).

Anaphylaxis

A severe, rapid-onset hypersensitivity reaction that can compromise airway, breathing, and circulation.

Corticosteroids

Immunosuppressive drugs that can cause secondary immunodeficiency by dampening the immune response.

Infection control

Nursing measures to prevent exposure to infection and protect patients, especially those with immune disorders.

Secondary immunodeficiency risk

Assessing and monitoring for higher infection risk in patients on immunosuppressive therapy (e.g., corticosteroids).

Immunity

Physiologic process that provides protection or defense from disease.

Negative bacterial and viral cultures

Absence of growth of bacteria or viruses in culture, indicating no active infection.

Normal WBC and differential counts

White blood cell count and differential within normal limits, indicating a typical immune status.

Soft, non-tender lymph nodes

Lymph nodes that are not enlarged or tender, suggesting no active infection.

Recognition of self

Immune system distinguishes self from non-self to prevent attack on own tissues.

Recognition of foreign proteins

Ability to identify non-self proteins and trigger an immune response.

Antigens

Foreign proteins that induce an immune response.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by B lymphocytes that bind antigens and aid in their destruction.

Tolerance

The immune system's ability to avoid attacking the body's own tissues.

Self-tolerance

Protection of the body's own cells and tissues from immune attack.

Humoral immunity (B-lymphocytes)

Antibody-mediated immunity; production of antibodies and memory cells.

Cell-mediated immunity (T-lymphocytes)

T-cell–mediated immunity, including cytotoxic T cells and helper T cells.

Memory cells

Lymphocytes that provide a faster response upon re-exposure to the same antigen.

Intact non-specific defenses or barriers

Non-specific barriers protecting against invasion (skin, mucous membranes, etc.).

Mechanical and physical barriers

Physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes that prevent pathogen entry.

Chemical barriers

Chemical defenses such as skin pH and stomach acid that deter microbes.

Microbiological competition by normal flora

Normal resident microbes compete with pathogens to limit infection.

Functional lymphatic system

Lymphatic network that filters pathogens and supports immune responses.

Lymphatic organs

Bone marrow, thymus, spleen, tonsils, adenoids, and appendix; sites of immune cell development and maturation.

Lymph nodes

Sites where antigens are transported to by immune cells and where immune responses can be activated.

Lymphatic vessels and lymph

Vessels that transport lymph fluid through the body.

Lymphocytes

White blood cells that mature in bone marrow and thymus and respond to antigens.

Lymphatic system immune functions

Collect and transport lymph, produce/maintain lymphocytes, filter foreign proteins, and initiate adaptive responses.

Optimal innate immune system

Innate defenses present at birth that resist infection, remove damaged tissue, and promote healing.

Phagocytosis and chemotaxis

Neutrophils and macrophages ingest pathogens and migrate toward infection sites; occur at entry site; may involve inflammation.

Complement system

Plasma proteins that tag organisms for destruction and coordinate the immune response.

Inflammatory response

Physiologic non-specific response to tissue injury that removes pathogens and promotes healing.

Acute inflammation

Rapid response with increased blood flow, permeability, and leukocyte migration; five cardinal signs.

Chronic inflammation

Persistent inflammation with ongoing tissue destruction and scar formation.

Hypersensitivity

Allergic reactions; exaggerated immune response to normally ignored antigens; local or systemic.

Autoimmune responses

Immune system attacks healthy tissues; can cause tissue destruction or abnormal growth.

Suppressed immune system

Immunocompromised/immunodeficient state increasing infection risk; primary vs secondary.

Immunity

A physiologic process that provides protection or defense from disease.

Antigen

A foreign protein that induces an immune response; found in microorganisms, vaccines, transplanted organs, and allergens.

Allergen

A substance capable of triggering an allergic immune response.

Antibody

A protein produced by B-lymphocytes that binds to a specific antigen and helps neutralize it.

Humoral immunity

Adaptive immunity mediated by B-lymphocytes and antibodies.

B-lymphocytes

Lymphocytes that produce antibodies in humoral immunity.

Memory cells

Long-lived lymphocytes that respond rapidly on re-exposure to a familiar antigen.

Cell-mediated immunity

Adaptive immunity mediated by T-lymphocytes.

T-lymphocytes

Lymphocytes that coordinate and execute immune responses; include cytotoxic and helper T cells.

Cytotoxic T-cell

A CD8+ T cell that directly kills infected cells.

Helper T-cell

A CD4+ T cell that initiates and regulates immune responses.

Self

The body’s own proteins and cells that should not be attacked by the immune system.

Recognition of self

Identification of self proteins to prevent immune attack on the body.

Tolerance

The immune system’s ability to not target the body’s own tissues; protection of normal cells.

Innate immune system

Non-specific first-line defense present at birth, including barriers, phagocytes, and the complement system.

Barrier defenses

Mechanical/chemical barriers such as intact skin, mucous membranes, mucus, cough/sneeze, and cilia.

Phagocytosis

Engulfing and digestion of pathogens by neutrophils and macrophages.

Chemotaxis

Movement of immune cells toward chemical signals at infection or injury.

Neutrophils

Phagocytic white blood cells that respond early to infection.

Macrophages

Phagocytic cells that digest pathogens and present antigens.

Complement system

Plasma proteins that tag organisms for destruction.

Inflammation

Non-specific tissue response to injury or infection; aims to inactivate/eliminate antigens and promote healing.

Acute inflammation

Short-term inflammatory response with cardinal signs such as redness, swelling, heat, and pain.

Chronic inflammation

Long-standing inflammation that can cause tissue damage and scar formation.

Lymphatic system

Network of vessels, nodes, and organs that transport lymph and host immune cells.

Lymph nodes

Filters lymph and presents antigens to lymphocytes.

Lymphatic organs

Bone marrow, thymus, spleen, tonsils, adenoids, and appendix involved in immune function.

Bone marrow

Site of production for blood cells, including B-lymphocytes.

Thymus

Site where T-lymphocytes mature.

Spleen

Organ that filters blood and mounts immune responses.

Tonsils

Lymphoid tissue that traps inhaled pathogens; site of phagocytosis.

Adenoids

Pharyngeal tonsils contributing to immune defense.

Appendix

Lymphoid tissue involved in immune responses.

Hypersensitivity

Exaggerated immune responses, including allergic reactions.

Autoimmune disorder

A condition in which the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues.

Immunodeficiency

Weakened immune system; can be primary (genetic) or secondary (disease or treatment related).

Primary immunodeficiency

Inherent defects in the immune system present at birth.

Secondary immunodeficiency

Impaired immunity due to disease or medical treatment.

Active immunity

Long-lasting immunity developed after exposure to antigen or vaccination, often involving memory B cells.

Immunizations

Vaccinations that stimulate active immunity.

Systemic lupus erythematosus SLE

A chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, affecting multiple organ systems. symptoms may include fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes (butterfly rash), and more. Treatment:corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and lifestyle changes.

Sickle Cell Anemia

A genetic blood disorder characterized by abnormal hemoglobin, leading to distorted (sickle-shaped) red blood cells. This can cause blockages in blood flow, leading to pain and other serious complications. symptoms may include anemia, pain crises, and increased risk of infections. treatment includes pain management, blood transfusions, and hydroxyurea.

HIV- human immunodeficiency virus

A virus that targets and weakens the immune system by destroying CD4 T cells, leading to increased susceptibility to infections and diseases. If untreated, it can progress to AIDS. symptoms may include fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. treatment includes antiretroviral therapy (ART) to manage the virus and improve quality of life.

RA- rheumatoid arthritis

A chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder that primarily affects joints, causing pain, swelling, and potential joint damage. Symptoms may include stiffness, fatigue, and systemic effects, with treatment options such as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), corticosteroids, and physical therapy.

UTI

A urinary tract infection caused by bacteria affecting the bladder, urethra, or kidneys. Symptoms may include painful urination, frequent urge to urinate, and lower abdominal pain. Treatment often involves antibiotics.

anaphylaxis

a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur rapidly, presenting symptoms like difficulty breathing, swelling, hives, and a rapid drop in blood pressure. Immediate treatment with epinephrine is critical to manage the symptoms.