The Immune and Lymphatic Systems Chapter 10 The Immune and Lymphatic Systems

Theory Objectives Describe the body’s innate (natural) immune response. Compare and contrast the characteristics of innate and acquired immunity. Describe the role of the lymphatic system in the immune response. Identify the various ways in which immunity to disease occurs.

Theory Objectives (Cont.) Analyze the factors that interfere with normal immune response. Explain the role of immunizations in relation to immunity. Compare and contrast the responsibilities of different members of the health care team in preventing infection in immunocompromised patients.

Clinical Practice Objectives Identify assessments that indicate immune system function. Describe precautions to be taken for patients with an impaired immune system. Evaluate your patient’s risk for infection during a clinical experience.

Anatomy and Physiology of the Immune and Lymphatic Systems Bone marrow Thymus gland Lymph system—nodes, vessels, and fluid Tonsils Spleen Peyer’s patches Age-related differences in function

Organs of the Immune System See Figure 10-2 on p. 198.

Protective Mechanisms of the Immune and Lymphatic Systems Inflammatory response Immune response Types of immunity Primary humoral response Secondary cellular response Immunity against disease Innate (natural) immunity Acquired immunity

Action of the Immune Response Against Foreign Invaders See Figure 10-3 on p. 201.

Humoral (Antibody-Mediated) Immunity See Figure 10-4 on p. 202.

Cell-Mediated Immunity See Figure 10-5 on p. 204.

Types of Immunity (page 2014 Fig 10-6) See Figure 10-6 on p. 204.

Immune and Lymphatic System Disorders Iatrogenic immune alteration Physiologic changes of aging Alcohol Autoimmune disorders

Maintaining a Healthy Immune System Eating right and getting enough rest and exercise Frequently skipping meals, eating unhealthy meals, sleeping too little, or not exercising weakens the immune system and makes people more susceptible to pathogens

Immunization Immunizations are a proven way to decrease illness for individuals and the spread of diseases in communities. Some religious and cultural practices forbid immunizations.

Comparison of Primary and Secondary Immune Response See Figure 10-7 on p. 207.

Skin Testing One of the most commonly used techniques to measure immunity and identify people who may have a dormant infectious disease Schick test to determine susceptibility to diphtheria Tuberculin skin test (Mantoux test) to identify those who might need treatment for tuberculosis (TB) The Mantoux test and other tests for TB are covered in Chapter 15.

Skin Testing (Cont.) Several types of skin testing may also be done to identify allergens. A scratch test (also called prick test or puncture test) Intradermal injection of allergens Patches containing allergens Inflammation and itching identify allergens that provoke the immune system.

Laboratory Tests Laboratory tests on blood and serum give important information regarding the status of the immune system. Complete blood count (CBC) Differential Blood testing to determine if antibodies to a disease or condition are present See Table 10-3 on pp. 209-210.

Imaging Studies Immunoscintigraphy is a nuclear medicine imaging procedure in which antibodies labeled with radioactive isotope are injected into the bloodstream. The isotope emits gamma rays that can be detected by the imaging equipment. Computers construct a picture of sites in the body where the antibody accumulates. Primary use of this technique is for identification of neoplasms as well as in locating and confirming areas of infection, such as in osteomyelitis. Current research is investigating techniques for “tagging” other cellular components of the immune system with radioactive substances that can then be visualized with nuclear medicine equipment.

Imaging Studies (Cont.) Computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) can all be used to evaluate the thymus gland and other tissue structures of the immune system.

Planning Protect from infection. Improve health status. Maintain a high degree of wellness to promote optimal immune function.

Implementation Meticulous adherence to Standard Precautions, including appropriate hand hygiene Implementation of protective isolation Promotion of balanced, adequate nutrition Holistic care involves dealing with the total person.

Evaluation Determine whether expected outcomes are being met. Gather follow-up data. Evaluate the effectiveness of nursing and medical interventions.

Common Problems Related to the Immune and Lymphatic Systems Fever Malnutrition Immunosuppression