ATI LPN
Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition
Chapter 33 : Introduction to the Immune System Questions
Question 1 of 5
A child is brought to the clinic with a rash and is subsequently diagnosed with measles. The parent reports also having had measles as a young child. What type of immunity to measles develops after the initial infection?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Immunity to measles that develops after the initial infection is an example of naturally acquired active immunity. Artificially acquired active immunity results from the administration of a killed or weakened microorganism or toxoid (attenuated toxin), whereas passive immunity develops when ready-made antibodies are given to a susceptible client.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client on tube feedings. The physician has ordered Osmolite HN as the feeding formula for the client. The family asks why the physician has ordered Osmolite HN instead of another formula to feed their family member. What is an important reason that tube-feeding formulas, such as Impact, Immun-Aid, or Perative, be recommended to clients?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Immune-enhancing tube-feeding formulas enhance the production of lymphocytes and NK cells, resulting in increased cell-mediated immunity. Drugs such as azathioprine, cyclosporine, and muromonab-CD3 suppress immune system function, whereas infliximab and etanercept minimize inflammation by blocking tumor necrosis factor. Aldesleukin is used as biologic therapy for clients who do not respond to conventional cancer treatment. Aldesleukin stimulates the immune system's ability to attack tumor cells.
Question 3 of 5
An older adult client, who leads a sedentary lifestyle, and a younger client, who has a very stressful and active lifestyle, require a vaccine against a particular viral disorder. The nurse knows that in one of these clients, the vaccine will be less effective. In which client is the vaccine more likely to be less effective and why?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Vaccines are less effective in an older adult than in a younger adult because the activity of the immune system declines with the aging process. The lifestyle of the client does not have great implications on the effectiveness of a vaccine.
Question 4 of 5
What is the function of the thymus gland?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The thymus gland is located in the neck below the thyroid gland. It extends into the thorax behind the top of the sternum. The thymus gland produces lymphocytes during fetal development. It may be the embryonic origin of other lymphoid structures such as the spleen and lymph nodes. After birth, the thymus gland programs T lymphocytes to become regulator or effector T cells. The thymus gland becomes smaller during adolescence but retains some activity throughout the life cycle. The other options are incorrect.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client with a suspected immune system disorder. What test would be ordered if a deficiency or excess of immunoglobulins was suspected?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When an immune system disorder is suspected, protein electrophoresis screens for diseases associated with a deficiency or excess of immunoglobulins may be ordered. The other options are incorrect tests to diagnose a deficiency or excess of immunoglobulins.