ATI LPN
Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition
Chapter 33 : Introduction to the Immune System Questions
Question 1 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 2 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.
Question 3 of 5
When an attenuated toxin is administered to a client, the B-cell lymphocytes create memory cells that recognize the antigen if it invades the body at a future time. What kind of immunity is this?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Artificially acquired active immunity results from the administration of a killed or weakened microorganism or toxoid (attenuated toxin). The memory cells manufactured by the B lymphocytes 'remember' the killed or weakened antigen and recognize it if a future invasion occurs. Passive immunity develops when ready-made antibodies are given to a susceptible person. Natural immunity is not one of the types of immunity. Naturally acquired active immunity occurs as a direct result of infection by a specific microorganism.
Question 4 of 5
A client who is a teenager has been brought to the clinic by the parent and is suspected of having an immune system disorder. What tests would the nurse expect to be ordered for this young client?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Laboratory tests are used to identify immune system disorders. They usually include a complete blood count with differential. Protein electrophoresis screens for diseases associated with a deficiency or excess of immunoglobulins. T-cell and B-cell assays (or counts) and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay may be performed. The other options are not diagnostic of immune disorders.
Question 5 of 5
A client's immune system has the ability to protect itself from external invaders. What type of immune function is present when this occurs?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The immune system is a collection of specialized white blood cells and lymphoid tissues that maintain immunocompetence, the ability to cooperatively protect a person from external invaders and the body's own altered cells. Immunosuppression is the opposite and the white blood cells and lymphoid tissue are not able to protect a person from external invaders. An immune response, primarily involves the lymphocytes that are located in blood and lymphoid tissue. Immune incompatibility is not relevant in this situation.