1. The Immune and Lymphatic Systems
Chapter 10
The Immune and Lymphatic Systems

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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

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

9. 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

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

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

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

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

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

16. 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

18. 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.

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

21. 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.

22. 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.

23. 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

24. 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.

25. 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.

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

27. 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.

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

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