SH

Peds ~ Week 6 (copy)

Importance of Vaccination

  • Vaccines are crucial for protecting children from communicable diseases.

  • Current governmental sentiments challenge vaccination efforts, complicating communication about immunization's necessity.

  • Ongoing provision of accurate information regarding the immune system is essential for educating families.

Overview of the Immune System

Components of the Immune System

  • Cells

    • Primary components include leukocytes (white blood cells), red blood cells, and platelets.

    • Leukocytes:

      • Health term for white blood cells.

      • Involved in fighting pathogens.

      • Types of Leukocytes:

        • Neutrophils: First line of defense against bacterial infections. They engulf and destroy bacteria. Important in chemotherapy patients to assess immune system compromise.

        • Lymphocytes: Primarily respond to viral infections, divided into T cells and B cells.

        • T Cells: Also known as killer T cells, they attack and kill virus-infected cells.

        • B Cells: Assist in producing antibodies, which react to antigens.

      • Monocytes: Clean up after bacterial infections by removing dead cells and debris.

Antigens and Antibodies

  • Antigen: Any substance that triggers an immune response, typically located on the surface of cells.

  • Antibody: A chemical produced by B cells that fights against antigens, they react specifically to the identified antigen.

  • Antibodies are produced after the first exposure to the specific antigen (e.g., chicken pox).

Interaction of Immune Cells in Response to Infection

  • Neutrophils and killer T cells directly attack pathogens.

  • B cells produce antibodies and assist in pathogen identification.

  • Monocytes help in the cleanup post-infection.

Tissues and Organs in the Immune System

Mucus Membranes

  • Produce mucus to trap pathogens, aiding in expulsion (e.g., through respiratory tract).

Lymph Nodes & Bone Marrow

  • Lymph Nodes: Act as filters and produce white blood cells.

  • Bone Marrow: Main factory for white blood cells.

Other Organs

  • Skin: The first physical barrier against pathogens.

  • Functions to assess skin integrity are crucial in preventing infections.

  • Spleen: A vital organ for producing blood cells and responding to infections.

  • Thymus: Involved in the maturation of T cells and filtering pathogens.

Role of Fluid Movement in Immunity

  • Tears: Keep eyes moist and wash away pathogens, preventing infection.

  • Urine Flow: Constant flushing action prevents urinary infections.

  • Vaginal Mucus: A self-cleaning mechanism to maintain reproductive health.

Types of Immunity

Definitions

  • Immunity: Protection provided by the immune system against pathogens.

Categories of Immunity

  1. Natural Immunity: Present at birth, innate defenses like skin, gastric acid, teardrops.

  2. Active Immunity: Develops as the body adapts to exposure to an antigen, e.g., after illness or vaccination.

  3. Passive Immunity: Temporary immunity acquired from another source, such as maternal antibodies or antibody infusion.

    • Examples: Antibodies passed from mother to baby in utero or through breastfeeding.

Vaccines Overview

Types of Vaccines

  1. Inactivated Vaccines: Contain killed organisms that cannot cause diseases. Example vaccines include polio and flu shots.

  2. Live Attenuated Vaccines: Contain weakened organisms, prompting a robust immune response. Includes MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and varicella (chickenpox).

  3. Toxoid Vaccines: Contain inactivated toxins from pathogens. Example: tetanus vaccine.

Vaccine Administration Considerations

  • Always assess for contraindications (e.g., severe allergic reaction).

  • Maintain updated vaccine schedules.

Importance of Vaccination Education

  • Clarifications about vaccination safety and efficacy are essential in addressing parental concerns about side effects and fictional links to conditions such as autism.

  • Emphasize herd immunity and personal protection, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Special Considerations in Vaccination

  • The importance of educating families cannot be overstated; understanding vaccines and potential outcomes is imperative for compliance and health.

  • Nurses play a critical role in administering and educating about vaccines, ensuring that children receive their immunizations on schedule.

Immune System Disorders and Infections

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

  • Characterized by chronic inflammation of joints.

  • Causes pain, joint stiffness, and possible mobility issues.

  • Treatment focuses on NSAIDs, physical activity, and possibly steroids during flare-ups.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

  • Affects multiple organ systems, leading to diverse symptoms, including fatigue, weight loss, and a characteristic 'butterfly rash'.

HIV/AIDS in Children

  • Transmitted primarily through body fluids from mother to child during pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding.

  • Treatment: Antiretrovirals to maintain CD4 counts and ensure low viral load.

Meningitis Basics

  • Infection of the meninges surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms include fever, stiff neck, light sensitivity.

  • Must be treated promptly with antibiotics, and protocols include isolation until the pathogen is identified.

Sepsis

  • Serious systemic inflammatory response to infection, especially concerning in newborns due to their immature immune systems.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

  • Caused by Bordetella pertussis, highly contagious, especially affecting infants.

  • Best prevention is vaccination of surrounding population to ensure herd immunity.

Conclusion

  • The goal across all immune-related issues is promoting health through education, prevention, timely vaccinations, and comprehensive care for immune-compromised patients.

  • Recognizing signs and symptoms early, implementing treatment appropriately, and maintaining health through immunization are crucial responsibilities of healthcare providers.