Nursing Care for Inflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases

Immunosenescence

Age-related immune dysfunction increasing inflammation.

Inflamm-ageing

Hypothesized link between aging and chronic diseases.

B Lymphocytes

Produce antibodies after maturation in bone marrow.

T Lymphocytes

Mature in thymus; kill infected or foreign cells.

Cytotoxic T Cells

Destroy virus-infected and cancerous cells.

Neutrophils

First responders to infections, digest bacteria.

Basophils

Release histamine; involved in allergic responses.

Eosinophils

Combat parasites and respond to allergic reactions.

Immunoglobulin A (IgA)

Found in mucosal areas; protects respiratory/GI tracts.

Immunoglobulin G (IgG)

Most abundant antibody; protects against infections.

Immunoglobulin M (IgM)

First antibody produced in response to new infections.

Immunoglobulin E (IgE)

Involved in allergic reactions; found in mucosa.

Immunoglobulin D (IgD)

Least understood; present in small blood amounts.

Type 1 Hypersensitivity

Common allergic response requiring repeated exposures.

Anaphylaxis

Severe systemic allergic reaction with multiple symptoms.

Type II Hypersensitivity

Cytotoxic response; includes transfusion reactions.

Type III Hypersensitivity

Immune complex-mediated; involves transplant rejection.

Type IV Hypersensitivity

Delayed response mediated by T lymphocytes.

Epinephrine

Treats anaphylaxis by reducing histamine effects.

Antihistamines

Block histamine receptors; alleviate allergy symptoms.

Cytokines

Signaling proteins that mediate immune responses.

Interleukins

Type of cytokine that regulates immune cell communication.

Granulocytes

White blood cells including neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils.

Glucocorticoids

Anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents.

Beta2 agonist

Bronchodilator used for asthma treatment.

T-Lymphocyte suppression

Inhibition of T-cell activity in immune response.

Chemotherapeutics

Drugs like cyclosporine and methotrexate for treatment.

Fluid Volume Deficit

Decreased body fluid levels affecting circulation.

Decreased Cardiac Output

Reduced heart output, often in anaphylaxis.

Impaired Gas Exchange

Ineffective oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange.

Infection

Invasion of pathogens causing disease.

Impaired Skin Integrity

Damage to skin barrier affecting healing.

Autoimmune Disorder

Body attacks itself, mistaking self as foreign.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Chronic inflammation affecting the gastrointestinal tract.

Crohn's Disease

Affects any part of the GI tract.

Ulcerative Colitis

Inflammation limited to the large bowel.

Transmural

Involves all layers of intestinal wall.

Fistulas

Abnormal connections between organs or vessels.

Thrombocytopenia

Platelet count less than 150,000 cells/dL.

Immune-mediated Thrombocytopenia

Autoimmune destruction of platelets.

HIT Type 1

Transient platelet decrease during heparin therapy.

HIT Type 2

Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia with thrombi formation.

DIC

Disseminated intravascular coagulation causing bleeding.

Cytokine Release

Cell signaling molecules affecting immune response.

Nutritional Support

Assistance in meeting dietary needs for healing.

DIC

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation, a serious condition.

Petechiae

Small red or purple spots from bleeding.

Ecchymosis

Larger bruises caused by bleeding under skin.

Scleral bleeding

Bleeding in the white part of the eye.

Microemboli

Small clots causing ischemia in extremities.

Thrombus formation

Clot formation leading to organ dysfunction.

Altered LOC

Changes in level of consciousness.

Tachycardia

Increased heart rate, often above 100 bpm.

Hypotension

Abnormally low blood pressure.

Dyspnea

Difficulty or labored breathing.

Tachypnea

Increased respiratory rate, over 20 breaths/min.

Cyanosis

Bluish discoloration due to low oxygen.

Hypoxemia

Low oxygen levels in the blood.

ARDS

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, severe lung condition.

Prolonged PT and PTT

Increased prothrombin and partial thromboplastin times.

Increased d-dimer

Elevated levels indicate clot breakdown.

Decreased fibrinogen

Low levels indicate impaired clotting ability.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Chronic, symmetrical inflammation of joints.

Methotrexate

Disease-modifying drug for rheumatoid arthritis.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Multisystem autoimmune disorder affecting various tissues.

ANA assay

Test for antinuclear antibodies, indicates autoimmune activity.

Lupus nephritis

Kidney inflammation due to systemic lupus.

Neuro

Immune complex deposition causes neuropathies.

End organ damage

Prevent damage to vital organs from disease.

ASA

Acetylsalicylic acid, used for pain relief.

NSAIDs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, reduce inflammation.

Glucocorticoids

Steroids that suppress immune response.

Hydroxychloroquine

Anti-malaria drug, used in lupus treatment.

Immunosuppressants

Medications that inhibit immune system activity.

Methotrexate

Chemotherapy drug, used for autoimmune diseases.

Azathioprine

Immunosuppressant for organ transplant and lupus.

Mycophenolate

Immunosuppressant, prevents organ rejection.

Cyclophosphamide

Chemotherapy agent for glomerulonephritis.

Dapsone

Anti-leprosy drug, manages skin symptoms.

IV IgG

Intravenous immunoglobulin for thrombocytopenia.

HIV

Virus that infects CD4 T lymphocytes.

Primary Infection

Initial phase with flu-like symptoms.

Clinical latent infection

Phase where virus is inactive but present.

Early symptomatic HIV

Phase with rare infections and lymphadenopathy.

AIDS

Advanced stage of HIV infection.

NNRTI

Non-nucleoside inhibitors prevent RNA to DNA conversion.

NRTI

Nucleoside inhibitors stop viral DNA construction.

Protease Inhibitors

Prevent HIV from entering healthy T cells.

Entry Inhibitors

Block HIV from entering host cells.

PrEP

Pre-exposure prophylaxis, reduces HIV seroconversion risk.

Nursing Management

Monitor infections, kidney failure, and maintain mobility.

Special diet

High protein, high calorie, low-fat meals.

Hydration

2 - 2.5 liters daily intake.

Nutrient dense foods

Foods high in vitamins and minerals.

Safety precautions

Measures to prevent harm or injury.

Social support

Emotional and practical assistance from others.

HIV care priorities

Focus on breathing, infection, and coping.

Breathing pattern assessment

Evaluate respiratory function and oxygenation.

Gas exchange maximization

Improve oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange.

Fluid volume deficit

Insufficient body fluid levels.