NURS 1550 second half week 5

What are autoimmune disorders?

Clinical disorders associated with antibody production against normal cells.

Name an example of an autoimmune disorder.

Type 1 diabetes.

What is another autoimmune disorder besides Type 1 diabetes?

Celiac disease.

What autoimmune disorder affects the thyroid?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Which autoimmune disorder is characterized by muscle weakness?

Myasthenia gravis.

What is lupus?

An autoimmune disorder that can affect multiple systems in the body.

Is ulcerative colitis an autoimmune disorder?

Yes, it is considered an autoimmune disorder.

What is the role of surface proteins in the immune response?

They help the body recognize self from non-self.

What happens when a white blood cell recognizes an abnormal antigen?

It binds to the antigen and breaks it down.

What are mast cells?

Immune cells found in tissues that release histamine.

What is degranulation?

The process by which mast cells release histamine in response to an antigen.

What is histamine?

A pro-inflammatory cytokine released by mast cells.

What can an over-release of histamine cause?

Anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.

What is the treatment for anaphylaxis?

Epinephrine, which stabilizes mast cells and stops histamine release.

Why should someone who has used an EpiPen go to the hospital?

Epinephrine's effects are temporary, and additional treatments may be needed.

What is the primary concern during anaphylaxis?

Maintaining an open airway.

What is diapodesis?

The process by which white blood cells move into tissues to respond to infection.

What is the function of natural killer (NK) cells?

To cause direct cell death and recognize self from non-self.

What is Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)?

A molecule on the surface of cells that prevents NK cells from attacking.

What happens when NK cells recognize the absence of MHC?

They identify the cell as abnormal and induce cell death.

What is the role of steroids in treating allergic reactions?

To blunt the allergic response and reduce inflammation.

What type of cells are involved in the innate immune response?

Natural killer cells and mast cells.

What is the relationship between histamine and inflammation?

Histamine is a mediator that increases inflammation during immune responses.

What is an allergic reaction?

An immune response to a harmless substance that can cause symptoms like swelling and difficulty breathing.

What is the role of antihistamines?

To slow the response and reduce histamine production in allergic reactions.

What is the significance of recognizing self from non-self in the immune system?

It is crucial for preventing autoimmune disorders where the body attacks its own cells.

What can trigger mast cells to release histamine?

Infection, tissue injury, or allergic stimuli.

What type of cells recognize and kill abnormal cells, including virus-infected and cancer cells?

Natural killer cells

How do natural killer cells identify virus-infected cells?

They recognize the absence of MHC on the surface of the infected cells.

What is the primary function of lymphatic organs?

To support immune function by storing immune cells, filtering waste, and maintaining body fluid balance.

What are the primary lymphatic organs?

Bone marrow and thymus.

What are secondary lymphatic organs?

Organs where immune cells are stored or released, such as lymph nodes and spleen.

What is lymphadenitis?

Inflammation and enlargement of lymph nodes due to infection or immune response.

What happens to lymph nodes during an infection?

They become sore and enlarged as they filter waste products from the infection.

What is a clinical red flag regarding lymph nodes in breast cancer screening?

Enlargement of lymph nodes in the armpits without a clear infection.

What is lymphedema?

Swelling caused by the backup of lymph fluid due to blockages in the lymphatic system.

What role does the spleen play in the immune system?

It filters old blood and pathogens, and is important for immune function development in children.

Can adults survive without their spleen?

Yes, but children without a spleen are more susceptible to infections.

What is the adaptive immune system's key feature?

It has specificity and can respond to specific antigens.

What is the purpose of vaccines in the adaptive immune system?

To develop memory against specific antigens.

What is the function of lymphocytes in the adaptive immune response?

They have memory of specific antigens and can respond quickly upon re-exposure.

Why do we need to boost tetanus vaccinations every 10 years?

Due to insufficient exposure to the tetanus pathogen to maintain immunity.

What happens when someone who had chickenpox develops shingles?

The body can reactivate the chickenpox virus, leading to shingles in adulthood.

What is the difference between innate and adaptive immunity?

Innate immunity is non-specific and immediate, while adaptive immunity is specific and has memory.

What triggers the activation of the adaptive immune system?

The presence of specific antigens.

What is the role of macrophages in the immune system?

They perform phagocytosis to remove pathogens and debris from the blood.

How does the lymphatic system help maintain fluid balance?

By filtering and returning excess fluid from tissues back to the bloodstream.

What is the significance of MHC molecules?

They help the immune system recognize self from non-self cells.

What is the consequence of a dysfunctional lymphatic system?

It can lead to lymphedema and increased susceptibility to infections.

How do natural killer cells respond to cancer cells?

They can directly kill cancer cells that exhibit abnormal characteristics.

What is the importance of lymph fluid in immune function?

It transports immune cells and filters out pathogens and waste.

What can cause enlargement of lymph nodes?

Infection, immune response, or the presence of cancer cells.

How can imaging techniques help in assessing lymph node health?

They can visualize enlarged lymph nodes that may indicate infection or disease.

What is the relationship between lymph nodes and upper respiratory infections?

Lymph nodes in the neck may enlarge while those in the groin typically do not.

What is the role of the thymus in the immune system?

It is where T cells mature and differentiate.

What virus can lead to AIDS?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

What is the primary function of helper T cells?

To activate other T cells, B cells, and phagocytic cells.

Where do B cells develop?

In the bone marrow.

Where do T cells mature?

In the thymus.

What are the three types of T cells?

Helper T cells, regulatory T cells, and cytotoxic T cells.

What is the role of cytotoxic T cells?

To identify and kill infected or pathogenic cells.

What do B cells produce in response to an antigen?

Antibodies.

What is the difference between B cells and T cells in terms of antibody production?

B cells produce antibodies; T cells do not.

What is the role of regulatory T cells?

To secrete anti-inflammatory responses and slow down the immune response.

What is the significance of CD4 co-receptors?

They are found on helper T cells and are crucial for their function.

What does the term 'antigen-presenting cell' refer to?

A cell that presents antigens to T cells to initiate an immune response.

What is shingles and how is it related to chickenpox?

Shingles is a reactivation of the chickenpox virus, which can occur in adults.

What can activate the latent chickenpox virus to cause shingles?

Stress or other viral infections.

What is the function of memory T cells?

To provide a quicker response upon re-exposure to the same antigen.

What is the role of antigen-presenting cells in the immune response?

They present antigens to T cells to help them recognize and respond to pathogens.

What is the primary treatment for HIV?

Antiretroviral therapy.

What does AIDS stand for?

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.

What is one major misconception about HIV and AIDS?

Not everyone living with HIV develops AIDS.

What is the role of T cells in rejecting abnormal tissues?

Cytotoxic T cells recognize and target abnormal or graft tissues.

What type of cells do cytotoxic T cells primarily target?

Virally infected cells, cancer cells, and pathogenic cells.

What is the importance of the thymus in T cell development?

It is where T cells mature and differentiate into various types.

What is the relationship between stress and shingles?

Stress can trigger the reactivation of the latent chickenpox virus, leading to shingles.

How do T cells contribute to the adaptive immune response?

They help regulate and activate other immune cells, including B cells.

What are the distinguishing features of helper T cells?

They have CD4 co-receptors and upregulate the immune response.

What is the significance of the CD3 receptor?

All T cells have CD3 receptors, which are essential for T cell activation.

What happens when a T cell encounters an antigen it recognizes?

It activates and proliferates to mount an immune response.

What is the role of phagocytic cells in the immune system?

They engulf and digest pathogens and present antigens to T cells.

What is the role of CD8 cells in HIV infection?

CD8 cells are cytotoxic T cells that destroy infected CD4 cells.

What are the key metrics monitored in HIV patients?

CD4 counts, CD8 counts, and viral load.

What is considered an optimal viral load for HIV patients?

An undetectable viral load.

How can antiretroviral therapy affect CD4 and CD8 counts?

It can normalize CD4 and CD8 counts and achieve undetectable viral loads.

What is the primary function of CD4 cells?

CD4 cells are helper T cells that activate the immune response.

What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?

HIV is the virus that can lead to AIDS; AIDS is caused by complications from HIV.

What is antibody variability?

The ability of antibodies to respond to similar antigens due to slight genetic differences.

How are flu shots developed?

Flu shots are based on predictions of the most transmissible strains from previous seasons.

What types of vaccines are typically included in flu shots?

Trivalent (three strains) or quadrivalent (four strains) vaccines.

What is the general function of antibodies?

Antibodies coat pathogens, opsonize them for phagocytosis, and neutralize toxins.

What is the role of IgM antibodies?

IgM is the immediate response antibody produced after first exposure to an antigen.

What is the predominant antibody type stored in the body?

IgG antibodies.

What is the difference between active and passive immunity?

Active immunity is produced by the body, while passive immunity is received from another source.

What is an example of natural active immunity?

Immunity developed after recovering from an infection, like influenza.

What is an example of artificial active immunity?

Immunity gained through vaccinations.

What is natural passive immunity?

Immunity transferred from mother to child through breast milk.

What are monoclonal antibodies?

Antibodies created in the lab to provide temporary immunity against specific pathogens.

What happens to antibody levels after an infection is cleared?

Antibody levels decrease when they are no longer needed.