Patient Care Fundamentals- Chapter 24: The Immune and Lymphatic Systems and Cancer (Information from Nursing Assisting A Foundation in Caregiving)

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

the final stage of HIV infection, in which infections, tumors, and central nervous system symptoms appear due to a weakened immune system that is unable to fight infection.

Autoimmune Disease

a disease in which the body is unable to recognize its own tissue and begins to attack these tissues.

Benign

non-cancerous.

Biopsy

the removal of a sample of tissue for examination and diagnosis.

Breakthrough Pain

a type of severe pain that happens unexpectedly in people who have cancer.

Cancer

a general term used to describe a disease in which abnormal cells grow in an uncontrolled way.

Homophobia

a fear of homosexuality.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

a virus that attacks the body's immune system and gradually disables it; eventually can cause AIDS.

Lymph

a clear yellowish fluid that carries disease-fighting cells called lymphocytes.

Malignant

cancerous.

Metastasize

to spread from one part of the body to another.

Opportunistic Infection

an illness caused by microorganisms that do not affect people with healthy immune systems but cause disease in people with weakened immune systems.

Remission

the disappearance of signs and symptoms of cancer or other diseases; can be temporary or permanent.

Tumor

a group of abnormally-growing cells.

1. Briefly describe nonspecific immunity and specific immunity.

Nonspecific immunity is present at birth. Specific immunity is a type of immunity that is acquired by the body.

2. List four normal age-related changes of the immune and lymphatic systems.

1. Immune system weakens, causing increased risk of all types of infections.

2. Antibody responses slows.

3. T-cells decrease in number.

4. Response to vaccines decreases.

3. What is the difference between benign and malignant tumors?

A benign tumor is non-cancerous. A malignant tumor is cancerous.

4. What is one way that the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is transmitted?

D. By contact with contaminated needles

5. What is one of the nursing assistant's responsibilities when caring for a resident who has required immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)?

C. The NA should help protect the resident from infections.

6. A diet that is low in _________ may help residents who have diarrhea.

A. Fiber

7. Which type of treatment for cancer involves using high-energy rays to attempt to destroy cancer cells in a specific area?

B. Radiation Therapy

8. If a resident with cancer expresses fear about her condition, which of the following would be the best response by the nursing assistant?

D. "I understand you're scared. How can I help?"