Question 1

The nurse recommends to the busy mother of three that the antihistamine fexofenadine (Allegra)would be more beneficial than diphenhydramine (Benadryl)because Allegra:

Accepted Answer

Fexofenadine (Allegra) is a second-generation antihistamine that does not cross the blood-brain barrier as readily as first-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl), thus it does not induce drowsiness to the same extent, making it a better option for someone who needs to remain alert.

Question 2

What is the etiology of autoimmune diseases based on?

Accepted Answer

Autoimmune diseases are characterized by the immune system mistakenly attacking the body's own cells, which involves both B cells and T cells producing autoantibodies against the body's own tissues.

Question 3

The nurse explains that when the patient received tetanus antitoxin with the antibodies in it,the patient received a ___________ type of immunity.

Accepted Answer

When a patient receives tetanus antitoxin with antibodies, it is an example of passive artificial immunity. This is because the antibodies are introduced into the body from an external source, providing immediate but temporary protection without the immune system having to produce the antibodies itself.

Question 4

What would the nurse recommend for a 94-year-old home health patient with deteriorated cell-mediated immunity?

Accepted Answer

The pneumonia vaccine is recommended for older adults, especially those with compromised immunity, to protect against pneumococcal infections, which can be severe in this population.

Question 5

What is the purpose of plasmapheresis in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis?

Accepted Answer

Plasmapheresis is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis to remove pathologic substances present in the plasma, such as autoantibodies and immune complexes, which are involved in the inflammatory process of the disease.

Question 6

What is the term for transplantation of tissue between members of the same species?

Accepted Answer

Allograft is the term for transplantation of tissue between members of the same species.

Question 7

A patient is undergoing immunotherapy on a perennial basis.With this form of treatment,what should the patient receive?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A patient is undergoing immunotherapy on a...

Question 8

What is the substance released by the T cells that stimulates the lymphocytes to attack an inflammation?

Accepted Answer

Lymphokine is the correct answer because it is a type of cytokine secreted by T cells in response to an antigen. These substances play a crucial role in regulating immune responses, including stimulating the activity of lymphocytes and other cells to attack and reduce inflammation.

Question 9

The nurse takes into consideration that when the antigen and antibody react,the complement system is activated which:

Accepted Answer

The complement system, when activated by the antigen-antibody reaction, plays a role in enhancing the ability of antibodies and phagocytic cells to clear pathogens from an organism. One of its functions includes attracting phagocytes to the site of infection or inflammation, a process known as chemotaxis. This helps in the elimination of the antigens.

Question 10

What should the nurse include to assess for in the plan of care for a patient undergoing plasmapheresis?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What should the nurse include to assess...

Question 11

The patient who had an asthma-like reaction to a desensitization shot was medicated with a subcutaneous injection of epinephrine.What effect should the nurse assure the anxious patient this will have?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine is administered in cases of severe allergic reactions because it causes bronchodilation, which helps to relieve the symptoms of asthma-like reactions by opening the airways and making it easier to breathe.

Question 12

Which person is most at risk for a hypersensitivity reaction?

Accepted Answer

Older adults, like the 84-year-old receiving penicillin, are at higher risk for hypersensitivity reactions due to potential previous sensitization and age-related changes in immune response.

Question 13

In which patient should the nurse be most concerned about immunodeficiency disorder?

Accepted Answer

Long-term radiation therapy for cancer can significantly weaken the immune system by damaging the bone marrow, where blood cells, including immune cells, are produced. This can lead to an increased risk of infections and immunodeficiency.

Question 14

How does normal aging change the immune system?

Accepted Answer

Normal aging leads to a decline in the immune system's function, known as immunosenescence. This includes deficiencies in B cell activity, which are responsible for producing antibodies, thus affecting the body's ability to fight infections and respond to vaccines.

Question 15

Immediately after the nurse administers an intradermal injection of a suspected antigen during allergy testing,the patient complains of itching at the site,weakness,and dizziness.Which action by the nurse is most appropriate initially?

Accepted Answer

Administering subcutaneous epinephrine is the most appropriate initial action by the nurse because the patient's symptoms suggest an anaphylactic reaction to the antigen. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, as it can quickly counteract the severe allergic response.

Question 16

An anxious patient enters the emergency room with angioedema of the lips and tongue,dyspnea,urticaria,and wheezing after having eaten a peanut butter sandwich.What should be the nurse's first intervention?

Accepted Answer

The patient is showing signs of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, indicated by angioedema, dyspnea, urticaria, and wheezing. The first intervention should be to ensure the patient can breathe, hence providing oxygen per nonrebreathing mask is the most immediate and critical action.

Question 17

Health care facilities have reduced the incidence of serious latex reactions by:

Accepted Answer

The use of powder-free gloves in healthcare facilities has significantly reduced the incidence of serious latex reactions. Powder in gloves can carry latex proteins and when the gloves are put on or removed, the powder can become airborne and be inhaled, leading to respiratory and other serious allergic reactions in sensitized individuals. By switching to powder-free gloves, the exposure to airborne latex allergens is minimized, thereby reducing the incidence of latex-related allergic reactions.

Question 18

Which of the following is an example of immunocompetence?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is an example...

Question 19

A patient who works in a plant nursery and has suffered an allergic reaction to a bee sting is stabilized and prepared for discharge from the clinic.During discussion of prevention and management of further allergic reactions,the nurse identifies a need for additional teaching based on which comment?

Accepted Answer

Corticosteroids are not typically used for the long-term prevention of allergic reactions to insect stings. Instead, they may be used to treat acute reactions. Avoidance, readiness to treat reactions (e.g., with epinephrine), and possibly allergy immunotherapy are standard approaches.

Question 20

A patient is admitted with a secondary immunodeficiency from chemotherapy.The nursing plan of care should include provisions for:

Accepted Answer

Patients with secondary immunodeficiency due to chemotherapy are at increased risk for infections, so infection control is a critical part of their care plan.

Quiz 55: Care of the Patient With an Immune Disorder

The nurse recommends to the busy mother of three that the antihistamine fexofenadine (Allegra) would be more beneficial than diphenhydramine (Benadryl) because Allegra: