Immunity Flashcards
Signs and symptoms of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- butterfly rash
- alopecia
- joint stiffness
- splinter hemorrhages
- Decreased circulation to extremities, remission, and exacerbation of pain
Risk factors for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- women of childbearing age
- people who are not Caucasians are more likely to get it.
- People who have a family history of autoimmune problems
Assessment findings of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- swelling in legs and around the eyes
- polyarthritis
- photosensitivity
- Low WBC
- Lupus nephritis
- Splinter hemorrhages
- Raynaud’s syndrome (Circulation issue that causes the extremities to be cool)
- Anemia
- leukopenia
- thrombocytopenia
Interventions for SLE
- Heat therapy
- dietician
- exercise routines
- prevent infections
- monitor for adverse effects of meds (Corticosteroids)
- use good hand hygiene
- vaccinations
Meds for SLE
- hydroxychloroquine
- steroids
- erythropoietin
- iron supplements
- antibiotics
- NSAIDs
- topical corticosteroids
Education for SLE
- avoid large crowds
- use sunscreen
- report signs of fever and infections
- keep stress levels under control
- avoid fluorescent lighting
- know the s/s of a flare
- pat skin dry as opposed to rubbing
- avoid drying agents like powders or alcohol gels, proper wound care.
- avoid high-dose birth control pills
Define Primary immunodeficieny
congenital and may affect T cells and/or B cells, may result from defects on WBCs
Give an example of primary immunodeficiency
A baby with an ear infection and thrush at risk for Primary immunodeficiency
Define Secondary Immunodeficiency
Typically results from trauma, stress, may result from cancer therapies, AIDS results from HIV
Define Allergy
An environmental or exogenous antigen that is in the body and it creates a hypersensitivity reaction
What is the difference between anaphylaxis and an allergy
Anaphylaxis is an allergy that is immediate and is systemic.
S/S of anaphylaxis
itchy throat, hives, redness, swelling, abdominal pain, glossitis, itchy skin conjunctivitis, headache, increased heat
Meds for anaphylaxis
Epinephrine, Benadryl, Oxygen if needed, Pepcid, steroid, bronchodilator
Treatment for anaphylaxis
oxygen, recumbent position, give fluids
Education for anaphylaxis
- Take allergy medications before exposure to the allergen.
- Tell the nurse if you feel anything different
- Teach about sings and symptoms of an allergic reaction
- Avoid the allergen
- Wear an allergy bracelet
- Educate about how to correctly use EpiPens
Symptoms of immunosuppression
- getting sick easily
- poor wound healing
- mucosal injury and ulcerations, biliary tract disease, diverticular disease, pancreatitis, malignancy
- weight loss or wasting
Aging and the immune system
- As we age we are more exposed to stress environmental factors, and bodily insults that lead to secondary immune conditions
- people over the age of 55 are more prone to transplantation problems
- Older adults sometimes have poor responses to immunizations
- The immune system may precipitate insulin resistance
When does the manufacture of immunoglobulins begin for pediatrics and when are normal values achieved?
Manufacture: 2 weeks of age
Normal values achieved: 6-7 years of age
Pediatrics and immunity
Newborns are more susceptible to get sick than other children. Especially a newborn that is premature because they did not get all of the IgG antibodies that they need
Give examples of people who have suppressed immune systems
People who have Chemo, Cystic Fibrosis, Lupus, AIDS/HIV, Steroid users
Give examples of people who have exaggerated immune responses
People with allergic reactions, leukocytosis, and dermatitis
What is innate immunity?
Something you’re born with
What is active acquired immunity
Exposure to something
What is passive acquired immunity?
When immunity is given from a mother to a baby through birth or breast milk
