Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Interaction of Body and Mind Related

Review Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Interaction of Body and Mind related questions and content

The nurse is caring for a client who reports suspecting a poor immune system due to feeling sick most of the time. Upon assessment the nurse finds the client is experiencing elevated stress levels. In addition to neurotransmitters, which chemical messenger between the client's brain and immune system is activated?

  • A. Adrenalin
  • B. Thyroxin
  • C. Cytokines
  • D. Steroids
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Cytokines, also called immunopeptides, function in the same ways as a neurotransmitter, by relaying messages throughout the immune system and the brain. Neither adrenalin, nor thyroxin, nor steroids function as chemical messengers for the immune system.