AIMU Flashcards
(45 cards)
What is autoimmunity?
Autoimmunity occurs when your immune system mistakenly targets and attacks your body’s own healthy cells, tissues, or organs as if they were foreign invaders.
Which gender is more commonly affected by autoimmune diseases?
Women
What are dendritic cells responsible for?
Dendritic cells capture antigens and present them to T cells.
What is the role of T cells in the immune system?
T cells are the MOST important immune cells; they can recognize disease-causing microorganisms and rally other immune cells to attack the invaders or kill the invaders themselves.
What do B cells produce?
B cells produce antibodies designed to attack specific antigens.
What are phagocytes?
Phagocytes are large cells that eat antigens, capturing and destroying microbes and other foreign particles.
What is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)?
SLE is a chronic and progressive autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammatory and immune attacks against multiple self tissues and organs.
What are common triggers for SLE?
Triggers include infection, injury, drugs, hormones, and UV light.
What is a key clinical manifestation of SLE?
Butterfly rash
What is lupus nephritis?
Lupus nephritis is a common complication of SLE that leads to changes in urine output, proteinuria, hematuria, and fluid retention.
What is the expected lab finding in a patient with SLE?
Positive antinuclear antibodies (ANA)
Fill in the blank: Acetaminophen can alter the pain perception but not reduce _______.
inflammation
What are some nursing interventions for managing fatigue in SLE patients?
- Choose important activities to do first
- Plan rest intermittently
- Prepare meals in advance
- Establish good sleep patterns
- Shop online
- Allow help from friends and family
- Avoid smoking
What is the etiology of Lyme Disease?
Borrelia burgdorferi (bite of infected deer tick)
What is the first stage of Lyme Disease characterized by?
Bullseye rash and flu-like symptoms
What are the clinical manifestations of Stage II Lyme Disease?
Carditis, dysrhythmias, dyspnea, palpitations, meningitis, facial paralysis.
What is CREST in relation to Systemic Sclerosis (SSc)?
- C: Calcinosis
- R: Raynaud’s phenomenon
- E: Esophageal dysfunction
- S: Sclerodactyly
- T: Telangiectasias
What is a common lab finding in Systemic Sclerosis?
EKG changes, dysphagia, UOP, and BP based on affected organs.
What are common systemic manifestations of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?
- Low-grade fever
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Anorexia
What are the goals of therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis?
- Manage inflammation
- Decrease pain
- Prevent joint destruction
- Increase mobility
- Slow progression
- Achieve remission
What is a major risk factor for Osteoarthritis (OA)?
Older adults
What is a key characteristic of Osteoarthritis?
Progressive deterioration and loss of cartilage and bone in one or more joints.
True or False: Osteoarthritis symptoms are symmetrical.
False
What is the primary risk factor for osteoarthritis (OA)?
Older adults, genetics, overweight
Secondary risk factors include rheumatoid arthritis, excess use, obesity, and heavy manual occupations.