Nokea
A client asks the nurse about the importance of taking supplements to maximize immune function. The client is healthy and does not have any medical problems. What is the best information to give to the client?
- A. Instead of taking supplements, eat a lot of fruits and vegetables to maximize immune function.
- B. Adopt a vegetarian diet and omit all meats, and you will maximize immune function.
- C. You should take a variety of vitamin and mineral supplements to maximize immune function.
- D. Eating a moderate diet that is balanced and varied will maximize immune function.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Until more is known about nutrient interactions, the best dietary advice to maximize immune function in healthy people is to eat a moderate diet that is balanced and varied. Eating fruits and vegetables and a vegetarian lifestyle may be healthy choices but do not maximize immune function as a balanced diet will.
You may also like to solve these questions
What type of cytokine will attract neutrophils and monocytes to remove debris?
- A. Lymphokines
- B. Cytotoxic T cells
- C. Suppressor T cells
- D. Regulator T cells
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Lymphokines, a type of cytokine, attract cells when they detect antigens and direct B-cell lymphocytes to multiply and mature. Cytotoxic T cells bind to invading cells, destroy the targeted invader by altering their cellular membrane and intracellular environment, and stimulate the release of chemicals called lymphokines. Suppressor T cells limit or turn off the immune response in the absence of continued antigenic stimulation. Regulator T cells are made up of helper and suppressor cells.
When an attenuated toxin is administered to a client, the B-cell lymphocytes create memory cells that recognize the antigen if it invades the body at a future time. What kind of immunity is this?
- A. Artificially acquired active immunity
- B. Passive immunity
- C. Natural immunity
- D. Naturally acquired active immunity
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Artificially acquired active immunity results from the administration of a killed or weakened microorganism or toxoid (attenuated toxin). The memory cells manufactured by the B lymphocytes 'remember' the killed or weakened antigen and recognize it if a future invasion occurs. Passive immunity develops when ready-made antibodies are given to a susceptible person. Natural immunity is not one of the types of immunity. Naturally acquired active immunity occurs as a direct result of infection by a specific microorganism.
A parent of a child who has been having frequent bouts of tonsillitis brings the child back to the clinic for another sore throat. The parent asks the nurse, 'What are tonsils good for anyway?' What is the best response by the nurse?
- A. They really do not have a function and should be removed.
- B. These tissues filter bacteria from tissue fluid.
- C. The tissue acts as an emergency reservoir of blood.
- D. The tissue removes blood and bacteria.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Tonsils and adenoids filter bacteria from tissue fluid. Because they are exposed to pathogens in the oral cavity, they can become infected and locally inflamed. The spleen acts as an emergency reservoir of blood and removes blood and bacteria, not the tonsils.
The nurse is caring for a client on tube feedings. The physician has ordered Osmolite HN as the feeding formula for the client. The family asks why the physician has ordered Osmolite HN instead of another formula to feed their family member. What is an important reason that tube-feeding formulas, such as Impact, Immun-Aid, or Perative, be recommended to clients?
- A. To suppress immune system function
- B. To block tumor necrosis factor
- C. To enhance the production of T-cell lymphocytes and NK cells
- D. To stimulate the immune system to attack tumor cells
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Immune-enhancing tube-feeding formulas enhance the production of lymphocytes and NK cells, resulting in increased cell-mediated immunity. Drugs such as azathioprine, cyclosporine, and muromonab-CD3 suppress immune system function, whereas infliximab and etanercept minimize inflammation by blocking tumor necrosis factor. Aldesleukin is used as biologic therapy for clients who do not respond to conventional cancer treatment. Aldesleukin stimulates the immune system's ability to attack tumor cells.
A client is cutting vegetable for dinner and accidently cuts a finger. What response is desirable to destroy foreign agents such as microorganisms to prevent infection from developing in the finger?
- A. A cell-mediated response
- B. The release of antibodies
- C. The release of memory cells
- D. Passive immunity
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Antibodies are chemical substances that destroy foreign agents such as microorganisms, which decrease the risk of infection at the site. A cell-mediated response occurs when T cells survey proteins in the body, actively analyze the surface features, and respond to those that differ from the host by directly attacking the invading antigen such as an organ transplant. Memory cells convert to plasma cells on reexposure to a specific antigen. When activated, B cells accumulate in lymphoid tissues and result in swollen lymph nodes. Passive immunity develops when ready-made antibodies are given to a susceptible person. They provide immediate but short-lived protection from an invading antigen.