TOPIC 1

BASIC CONCEPTS OF IMMUNITY

TLA1: Essay

Instructions: Answer the following questions briefly and concisely. Strictly

no plagiarism
1. What is the difference between innate immunity and adaptive
immunity?
2. If a person’s cells lose the ability to phagocytose pathogens, how will
the body compensate?
3. What does it mean to have an “anamnestic” immunity?
4. What are examples of infections that lead to immunosuppression?
5. As a nurse, what are the common ways of managing
immunosuppressed individuals? Describe the rationale of each
management practice.

Answers:

1. Innate immunity is a quick reaction to a pathogen that does not

provide long-term defense. It is a nonspecific defensive
mechanism that comprises infectious agent barriers including the
skin (epithelium) and mucous membranes. Unlike innate
immunity, adaptive immunity is highly specific, has immunologic
memory, and is capable of responding quickly and forcefully to a
second antigen exposure. Antibody-mediated and cell-mediated
immune responses are both part of the adaptive immune
response.

2. Cell spreading in conventional phagocytosis ends when the

phagocytic cup closes to form a phagosome compartment. In
other situations, however, the target is too big to be entirely
absorbed by a single phagocyte, a condition known as frustrated
phagocytosis. Immune cells seek to maximize their area of
contact with the target surface during these encounters, resulting
 in thinly spread, lamella-shaped cells that partially cover the
target.

3. A vaccination is a preventive intervention that trains the immune

system to detect and attach to harmful pathogens in order to
prevent infection through the production of neutralizing
antibodies. To maintain the antibody threshold, most vaccinations
require a booster dose (s). Since antibodies are specific in nature,
antibodies generated by a certain etiologic agent can only
prevent infection by that specific agent and not by any other. A
first dosage of hepatitis B vaccination, for example, may only
require a booster dose of the same hepatitis B vaccine and not
any other strain of hepatitis. As a result, the additional reaction
caused by a booster dosage is known as Anamnestic Response,
and it strengthens the host's immunity by assuring a sustained
antibody threshold.

4. People with immunodeficiency diseases are prone to recurrent

infections of specific ailments, including such: pink eye, sinus
infections, thrush, colds, chronic gum disease (gingivitis),
pneumonia and yeast infections.
5.

Follow and practice the five moments of hand hygiene. Moment 1 - before
touching a patient. Moment 2 - before a procedure. Moment 3 - after a
procedure or body fluid exposure risk. Moment 4 - after touching a
patient.

Rationale:

- Reducing the amount of microorganism on the hands

- To limit the danger of microorganism transmission
- To decrease the possibility of cross-contamination
- To limit the chance of infectious organism transfer to oneself.
Have the room cleaned daily by Hospital Housekeeping.

Rationale:

- To provide and maintain safe, clean, and healthful

environment.
- Florence Nightingale's environmental theory is based on five
principles that she considered were necessary to achieve a
healthy environment, such as clean water and air, basic
sanitation, cleanliness, and light, since she believed that a
good environment was crucial for healing.

Avoid using invasive equipment such as rectal thermometers and

suppositories. While using invasive equipment, ensure that aseptic
conditions are met.

Rationale:

- The use of any type of invasive device increases the risk of

infection.

Antiseptic baths should be administered to the patient, and the axillary,

perineal, and labial regions should be thoroughly washed down three
times each day with an antiseptic solution. Hair and scalp should be
cleansed on a regular basis. Nail trimming and shaving with an electric
razor are recommended.

Rationale:

- The skin may be a portal of entry for bacteria, the nurse

should assess this area closely.
- To prevent any skin abrasions

The immunocompromised patient must be included in the treatment plan,

and his opinions must always be taken into account. To ensure this, the
nurse must maintain stable contact with the patient and analyze his
emotional condition. Active listening skills are important in enabling
patients to discuss their ideas and concerns.

Rationale:

- This procedure not only fosters trust and facilitates communication,

but it also frequently makes the patient feel better.

- The nurse then psychologically develops a trusting environment for

the patient. For the nurse, creating and maintaining a safe
atmosphere in which the patient may trust that no harm would
come to him is essential.

Teach each patient on the importance of personal hygiene. Educate the

patient about the dangers of infection and the need of allowing staff wash
their hands before contacting him. Educate the patient the signs and
symptoms of infection before releasing him from the hospital, and
encourage him to seek medical attention as soon as they become
apparent.

Rationale:

- According to Republic Act 9173, one of the duties of a nurse is

to provide health education. Patient education is a term for
education in hospital and clinic settings linked to following of
the treatment procedures, medications and home care and
rehabilitation procedures.