Defense and immunity Flashcards
(24 cards)
What is the function of the skin
- Defense against pathogens
- Thermoregulation
-Secretion - Absorption
What happens when there is alterations in skin integrity?
Immune defense goes down.
What poses risks for skin integrity?
Broken skin→ pathogens can enter
Age → skin thins out over time
Impaired circulation
Unhealthy mucus membrane: redness, swelling, and breakdown of the mucous membranes
ex: nose.
Hydration + nutrition
Why should we comfort patients who have an infection? WHY + Name 4 INTERVENTIONS
Infections can be PAINFULL. They must be comfortable so that they can have optimal healing.
Interventions:
-Pain assessment –> Evaluation of any medications
- Repositioning for those who are immobile
- Adjusting lighting
-Keep skin dry, use lotion/moisturizer to prevent skin breakdown
-Warm + cold compressions
-Promote hydration + nutrition (protein)
-Offer light blankets
6 components to chain of infection?
- Infectious agents
- Revisor/habitat
- Portal of exit
- Modes of transmission
- Portal of entry
- Susceptible hosts
What are control measures for infection?
- Vaccinations
- PPE
- Antimicrobials
-Hygiene: Environment + hands
Why is it important for patients to move?
- Helps move secretions: Specifically in the lungs
- Immobile Patients are more at risk for pressure injury
Why is it important to manage stress for people who are sick?
Cortisol, the stress hormone inhibits immune response. Thereby making you immunocompromised.
Why do we consider temperature comfort for infants and elderly?
They have lower fat content (adipose tissue)
What are the 4 stages of infection
- Incubation period: The pathogen is present, but the innate immune system hasn’t yet produced noticeable symptoms.
- Prodromal stage: The innate immune response is kicking in, leading to nonspecific symptoms (like mild fever and malaise).
- Full (Acute) stage of illness: The immune response intensifies, with both innate and adaptive immunity more active and producing specific signs and symptoms.
- Convalescent period: The infection resolves, and adaptive immunity solidifies memory.
list 3 positive outcomes of a strong immune system.
- Faster immune response
- Replaces damaged tissue, healing
- Recognizes and removes cell
mutation( gets rid of potential cancer cells fast)
Name at least 6 risk factors for infection.
- Age: Infants, Elderly
- Genetics
- Stress
- Autoimmune
- Immunocompromised
- decreased skin and mucous membrane integrity
- WBC integrity
- Sex
- Level of fatigue
- Nutrition
- Use of invasive indwelling medical devices
Why is Prodromal stage the most infectious?
The pathogen is able to infect almost the whole body bypassing immune system.
S/S of a localized infection. Name at least 4.
- Inflammation–> pain, redness (Erythema), swelling(edema), heat
- Drainage
- Fever
- Pain/ tenderness
Name 2 specific infections that could cause a localized infection for each of the 4 pathogens.
1. Bacteria
2. Virus
3. Fungi
4. Parasite
- Bacteria–> cellulitis and UTI
- Virus –> Genital herpes and HPV
- Fungi–> Oral thrush and vaginal yeast infections
- Parasite–> Giardia lamblia (gastrointestinal infection) and Pediculus humanus capitis (Head lice)
Know what should be part of a thorough nursing history and assessment for a patient who presents with an infection
Subjective data:
“How long has this been going on?”
“What are your symptoms?”
“Do you have chronic diseases?”
Objective:
Vital signs
Labs → WBC, RBC, culture, PCR
S/S of a systemic infection. Name at least 4.
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue and weakness
- Body aches and generalized discomfort
- Elevated heart rate (tachycardia)
- Increased respiratory rate (tachypnea)
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Sepsis signs (in severe cases): Low blood pressure, confusion, or altered mental status.
Normal WBC levels and the stage in which neutrophils will be highest
leukocyte/WBC= 5000 - 10000 /mm
Mainly defensive (immunity); 5 kinds:
◼Neutrophils 40% - 60% of all WBC
◼ lymphocytes are 20% - 40% of all WBC
◼ Monocytes 2% - 8% of all WBC
◼ Eosinophils are 1% - 4% of all WBC
◼ Basophils (0.5% to 1% of all Leukocytes)
What is clean technique
Not particular about dressing, or gloves. Minimal microbe transfer.
What is Sterile technique
free of all microbes during invasive procedures
When should you use clean technique? Name at least 5
- Vitals
- Routine handwashing
- Dressing changes for non-sterile wounds (ostomy bag)
- administering oral medication
- Feeding patients
- Bed baths
- Routine handwashing and hand hygiene.
- Caring for patients with chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes) that do not involve invasive procedures.
When should you use sterile technique? Name at least 5
- Catheter insertion
- IV insertion
-Injections - Wound care: Deep or surgical
- Invasive procedures
Standard Precautions: Airborne
Diseases types
- Patient stays in negative pressure room
- Wear a n95 fitted mask/respirator
- Hand hygiene
- PPE if needed
-Patient must wear a surgical mask when exposed to other people - Closed door
Airborne diseases:
- tuberculosis
-rubeola (measles)
- varicella (chicken pox)
Standard Precautions: Droplet
Diseases types
