Burns Pediatric Primary Care Test Bank Related

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Newborns are highly susceptible to infection as a result of:

  • A. excessive levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin M (IgM).
  • B. diminished nonspecific and specific immunity.
  • C. increased humoral immunity.
  • D. overwhelming anti-inflammatory response.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Newborns are highly susceptible to infection due to their diminished nonspecific and specific immunity. Nonspecific immunity includes physical barriers such as intact skin and mucous membranes, as well as components of the innate immune system like phagocytes and complement proteins. Specific immunity refers to the adaptive immune response involving B and T cells. In newborns, both these arms of the immune system are not fully developed or mature, leading to increased susceptibility to infections. Additionally, newborns have lower levels of immunoglobulins like IgA and IgM compared to adults, further contributing to their vulnerability to infections.