Immunology and HIV Review Notes

Chemical Exposure and Rare Earth Minerals

• Worry about people working with chemicals that may cause problems later.
• Concern for those escalating rare earth minerals without checking for radioactivity.

Lymph Nodes, Spleen, and Fatigue

• Large, painless lymph nodes and enlarged spleen can be symptomatic.
• Severe fatigue or bone pain should raise suspicion of bone disorder or blood dyscrasia.

Lupus

• Lupus is an autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation.
• Steroid infusions are used to manage inflammation in lupus patients.
• Lupus compromises the immune system.

Platelet Count

• Platelet count greater than 50,000 is generally not problematic.
• Platelet count of 50,000 or under poses a bleeding risk.
• The spleen can break down platelets.

Corticosteroids and Prednisone

• Corticosteroids may help with platelet or red cell issues.
• Prednisone can be used to increase platelet count, but it's not a cure-all.

Splenectomy

• Splenectomy is a last resort for platelet issues.

Hemophilia and DIC

• Avoid intramuscular (IM) injections in hemophilia; use subcutaneous (SubQ) injections.
• Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) involves simultaneous clotting and bleeding and is life-threatening but rare.

Hodgkin's Disease and Reed-Sternberg Cells

• Reed-Sternberg cells are used to diagnose Hodgkin's disease.

Lymphedema and Compression

• Compression sleeves are acceptable, but compression stockings are generally not recommended for lymphedema.
• Avoid constricting clothing like shoes and socks.
• Compression bandages move fluid away from digits.

Silent Review

• Silent reviews involve showing correct answers without discussion.

Thymus and Lifespan

• The thymus being replaced by fat is a cool topic.
• If the thymus didn't involute, lifespan might increase.
• There is a concern about declining birth rates.

Anaphylaxis

• In anaphylaxis, ensure the airway is open.
• Epinephrine (EpiPen) should be administered if anaphylaxis is suspected, even before orders are received.
• Know the location of emergency equipment, including oxygen. Ensure they are up to date.
• Emergency kits should be readily available.

Medication Affordability

• Discuss medication affordability assistance programs.
• Drug manufacturers offer programs for allergy and allergic reaction treatments.
• Mentioned auto-injector savings cards that brings the costs down to $35-50 or discounted auto-injectors for $50 for two.

Latex Allergies

• Cross-reactivity with latex allergies: Bananas.

Delayed Hypersensitivity

• Delayed hypersensitivity involves contact with a substance.

HIV Transmission

• The highest population of HIV infection is still among men who have sex with men, but it's not the only way to get it.
• Avoid stigmatizing any group.

Perinatal HIV Transmission

• Early treatment of the mother can block maternal transmission of HIV.

HIV/AIDS Symptoms

• Night sweats can be associated with HIV/AIDS, but also with other conditions.

Managing Patient Concerns

• Address patient concerns about HIV exposure without judgment.

Diagnosing AIDS

• AIDS is diagnosed when T cell count is under 200 and there is an opportunistic infection.
• Without treatment, AIDS is fatal.
• Differentiate between HIV and AIDS.

Peripheral Neuropathy

• Peripheral neuropathy can occur from HIV medications, similar to diabetes.
• Symptoms include staining, itching, feet, and leg pain.

Prevention

• Condoms and PrEP are recommended for HIV Prevention
• Read the key points in the resource materials.