Immunity and Immune Responses

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to immunity, altered immunity, immune responses, and their clinical implications.

Immunity

The normal physiologic response to microorganisms and proteins, involving either inadequate or excessive immune responses.

Altered Immunity

Immune responses that can be suppressed (immunocompromised) or exaggerated (hypersensitivity reactions).

Innate Immune Response

The type of immune response that you are born with.

Active Acquired Immunity

Immunity that comes from having an active disease or a single vaccination.

Passive Acquired Immunity

Immunity that comes from an external source, such as maternal antibodies passed through breastfeeding.

Suppressed Immune Response

A weakened immune response that can be due to primary immunodeficiency, secondary causes, intentional effects, or treatment adverse effects.

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Exaggerated immune responses that can be localized or systemic.

Consequences of Suppressed Immunity

Main consequences include infections and cancers.

Acute Hypersensitive Reaction

An immediate immune response that can result from an exaggerated immune response.

Systemic Effect

Immune response that affects the entire body, potentially leading to chronic diseases or organ dysfunction.

Data to Collect for Immune Assessment

Includes past medical history, family history, genetic history, current medications, allergies, lifestyle behaviors, occupation, and social environment.

Symptoms of Suppressed Immunity

Frequent infections, poor wound healing, fatigue, malaise, and weight loss.

Clinical Findings in Suppressed Immunity

May include poor nutrition, chronic wounds, enlarged lymph nodes, and opportunistic infections.

Symptoms of Exaggerated Immune Function

Include allergic symptoms, pain, fatigue, and fever.

Clinical Findings in Exaggerated Immune Function

Responses can range from mild allergic reactions to severe autoimmune disorders.

Common Diagnostic Tests

Include red and white blood cell counts, fluorescent antinuclear antibody, C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

Allergy Testing

Diagnostic testing specific to assessing allergic responses.

Prevention of Immune Issues

Primary prevention includes immunizations, avoiding high-risk behaviors, adequate nutrition, exercise, and infection control measures.

Collaborative Care for Exaggerated Response

Includes removal of exposure, airway support, drug therapy to reduce response, and symptomatic relief.

Immunosuppressive Therapy

Drug therapy used to reduce immune responses in cases of exaggerated response.

Antihistamines

Medications used to alleviate allergic reactions.

Sympathomimetics

Drugs that mimic the effects of sympathetic nervous system activation, often used in allergic reactions.

Mast Cell Stabilizer

Medications that prevent the release of histamine and other mediators from mast cells.

Antiinflammatory Agents

Medications that reduce inflammation in the body.

Antipruritics

Medications that relieve itching.

Decongestants

Medications used to relieve nasal congestion.

Analgesics

Pain-relieving medications.

Nutrition in Immunodeficiency Care

Monitoring and ensuring proper nutritional support for patients with immunodeficiency.

Opportunistic Infections

Infections that occur more frequently and with greater severity in individuals with weakened immune systems.

Clinical Findings in Exaggerated Immune Function

Can include mild to severe allergic responses and may involve organ failure.

Genetic Testing in Immune Assessment

Testing to determine genetic predispositions to immune disorders.

Rheumatoid Factors (RFs)

Blood tests that help diagnose autoimmune diseases.

Western Blot Test

A method used to detect specific proteins in a sample, often used in the diagnosis of diseases.

TORCH Antibody Panel

A panel of tests that detect infections that can affect pregnancy and neonatal health.

Organ Function Tests

Tests to assess the functionality of specific organs in the body.

Family History in Immune Assessment

Collecting information about hereditary diseases and immune dysfunction within families.

Symptoms of Autoimmune Disorders

Range from vague symptoms to severe organ failure indicators.

Local Symptoms of Exaggerated Immune Function

Symptoms that are confined to one area, often due to localized allergic reactions.

Chronic Diseases from Exaggerated Response

Long-standing immune responses that can cause persistent body-wide system diseases.

Weight Loss in Immunodeficiency

A potential symptom indicating suppressed immune function due to chronic illness.

Clinical Presentation of Immunocompromised Patients

Patients may appear poorly nourished and may display symptoms such as chronic wounds.

Surveying Lifestyle Behaviors

Important part of patient assessment to understand risk factors affecting immunity.

Occupation Effects on Immunity

Identifying job-related exposures that may impact immune health.

Social Environment in Immune Health

Considering social factors that can affect a patient's immune function and overall health.