NURS 3812 Exam 2 Study Guide: Immunity, Inflammation, and Gas Exchange

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to immunity, inflammation, gas exchange, and nursing considerations for patient care.

Innate Immunity

The non-specific defense mechanisms that are present at birth, acting as the first line of defense against pathogens.

Adaptive Immunity

The specific immune response that develops after exposure to an antigen, characterized by the production of memory cells.

Hypersensitivity

An exaggerated immune response to an antigen that can lead to inflammation and tissue damage.

Anaphylaxis

A severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur rapidly, leading to difficulty breathing, swelling, and potential shock.

Vaccine

A preparation used to stimulate an immune response against a disease, which can be administered via various routes such as oral, injection, or spray.

Vaccination

The act of introducing a vaccine into the body to produce protection from a specific disease.

Immunization

The process by which a person becomes protected against a disease through vaccination.

Lead Time for Vaccines

The optimal timing for vaccinations to ensure maximum protection against diseases, balanced with the age of highest risk.

Herd Immunity

Community protection that occurs when a sufficient proportion of individuals are vaccinated, reducing the spread of disease.

WBC Count

A common laboratory test to measure the number of white blood cells in the blood, indicating inflammatory or infectious processes.

Local Inflammation

Injury or infection that produces redness, swelling, and pain in a specific area of the body.

Systemic Inflammation

A widespread inflammatory response that can affect multiple systems in the body, often linked to infections or autoimmune diseases.

Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)

A condition that includes both deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), associated with blood clot formation.

Gas Exchange

The physiological process of exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs, critical for maintaining cellular respiration.

Clinical Judgment Process

The systematic approach used by healthcare professionals to make informed decisions regarding patient care based on assessment cues.

Serous Exudate

A clear, thin fluid that may leak from tissues during inflammation, typically seen in early inflammatory responses.

Major Effect of Vaccination

Prevention of serious communicable diseases that can lead to severe complications or death.