The nurse knows high incidences of infectious illnesses among the older adults who reside in a long-term care facility are most likely to have diminished immune capacity because of
A) decreased numbers and responsiveness of T lymphocytes.
B) decreased antigen recognition by B lymphocytes.
C) overexpression of cytokines and receptors.
D) altered function in peripheral lymphocytes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Although this phenomenon is not well understood, increasing proportions of lymphocytes become unresponsive with age, and CD4⁺T lymphocytes are the most severely affected. B lymphocytes recognize more antigens, not fewer, and expression of cytokines and their cellular receptors decreases.

The Nurse Knows High Incidences of Infectious Illnesses Among the Older