Question 1

The nurse correlates the function of the thymus gland to which outcome?

Accepted Answer

The thymus gland is responsible for the development of T-cells, which are a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the body's immune system.

Question 2

The nurse educates a patient on first-line anatomic barriers to infection. Which patient statement indicates to the nurse the need for further teaching?

Accepted Answer

C

Question 3

Which laboratory value requires an intervention by the nurse for the patient scheduled for a positron emission tomography (PET) scan?

Accepted Answer

Serum glucose levels need to be within a normal range for a PET scan because elevated glucose levels can interfere with the interpretation of the scan results. PET scans often use a glucose-based radiotracer, and high blood glucose can compete with the tracer, affecting the scan's accuracy.

Question 4

The nurse monitors for which laboratory result in the patient with a history of chronic inflammation?

Accepted Answer

Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a common indicator of inflammation. Chronic inflammation often leads to an increased ESR, reflecting the body's ongoing response to a persistent inflammatory stimulus.

Question 5

The nurse provides education to an older adult patient regarding age-related immune system changes. Which patient statement indicates the need for further teaching?

Accepted Answer

The correct statement that indicates a need for further teaching is B) "I may experience a decreased production of autoantibodies as I age." This is incorrect because, with aging, there is actually an increased production of autoantibodies, not a decrease. This can contribute to a higher risk of autoimmune diseases in older adults.

Question 6

A nurse is caring for a patient with who is experiencing leukocytosis. When providing care to this patient, which action by the nurse is the most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Leukocytosis is an increase in the number of white blood cells, often indicating an infection. Assessing for the source of infection is the most appropriate action to address the underlying cause of leukocytosis.

Question 7

The nurse recognizes which type of immunity as an example of passive immunity?

Accepted Answer

Passive immunity is when an individual is given antibodies from another source, rather than producing them through their own immune system. An example of this is the transfer of antibodies from mother to newborn through the placenta, providing the infant with immediate, but temporary, protection against pathogens.

Question 8

The nurse correlates an increased risk of infection in a patient receiving radiation therapy for lung cancer based on which of the following factors?

Accepted Answer

Damage to the first line of defense (skin and mucous membranes) increases the risk of infection.

Question 9

The nurse is teaching a new mother the immune benefits of breastfeeding her newborn. The nurse bases this teaching on the understanding that which immunoglobulin (Ig) is passed from mother to newborn through breast milk?

Accepted Answer

IgA is the primary immunoglobulin found in breast milk. It plays a crucial role in providing passive immunity to the newborn by protecting against infections, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract.

Question 10

Which question does the nurse need to ask during a health history with an adolescent patient, accompanied by a parent, to determine immune status?

Accepted Answer

To determine immune status, the most direct and relevant question is about the child's immunization status. Immunizations are critical for preventing infectious diseases, and asking if they are up-to-date directly assesses the child's immune status.

Question 11

Which of the following statements from the patient related to a scheduled bone marrow aspiration indicates patient understanding of the procedure?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following statements from the...

Question 12

The nurse correlates which type of immunoglobulin (Ig) as playing a role in an allergic reaction?

Accepted Answer

IgE is primarily involved in allergic reactions. It binds to allergens and triggers histamine release from mast cells and basophils, leading to the symptoms of an allergic response.

Question 13

Which clinical manifestation noted during the patient's assessment indicates the need to notify the healthcare provider?

Accepted Answer

Swelling and redness noted to the ankle may indicate an infection or injury that requires immediate attention from a healthcare provider.

Question 14

The nurse is teaching a group of patients about first-line defense against infection. Which patient statement indicates the need for further education?

Accepted Answer

A cut with pus is not a mechanical first-line defense against infection. Instead, it is a sign of an infection where the body's immune system is responding to the infection. The skin, sneezing, and saliva are all correct examples of first-line defenses. The skin acts as a physical barrier, sneezing mechanically expels pathogens, and saliva contains enzymes that break down bacteria.

Question 15

The nurse is conducting a health history for a patient. In assessing immune function, which question is best to ask related to risk factors in the patient's social history?

Accepted Answer

Smoking cigarettes can affect immune function and is a relevant risk factor in the patient's social history.

Question 16

The nurse recognizes that which immunoglobulin (Ig) is a mediator in allergic responses?

Accepted Answer

IgE is known to play a crucial role in allergic reactions. It binds to allergens and triggers the release of histamine and other chemicals from mast cells, leading to the symptoms of an allergic response.

Question 17

The nurse assesses a patient with a surgical wound infection. Which clinical manifestation leads the nurse to conclude that the patient is experiencing a system response to inflammation?

Accepted Answer

Fever is a systemic response to inflammation, indicating that the body is responding to an infection or other inflammatory process. Pain, edema, and drainage are localized responses to inflammation.

Question 18

The nurse correlates the increased risk of autoimmune disorders in the older adult to which age-related change of the immune system?

Accepted Answer

The increased risk of autoimmune disorders in older adults is associated with increased production of autoantibodies. As people age, the immune system can become dysregulated, leading to a higher production of antibodies that mistakenly target the body's own tissues, contributing to the development of autoimmune diseases.

Question 19

Which type of leukocyte releases heparin as part of the inflammatory response?

Accepted Answer

Basophils release heparin, which is an anticoagulant, as part of the inflammatory response. This helps to prevent blood clotting in the area of inflammation.

Question 20

In reviewing the laboratory results for a patient admitted with hepatic disease, the nurse correlates which results with an increased risk of infection?

Accepted Answer

Neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, play a crucial role in fighting infection. A neutrophil percentage (neutrophil count) of 30% is low, indicating neutropenia, which increases the risk of infection. Normal neutrophil percentage in adults ranges from 40% to 60%.

Quiz 18: Assessment of Immune Function