Pediatric HESI Practice Questions Related

Review Pediatric HESI Practice Questions related questions and content

The parents of a 6-week-old infant who was born without an immune system ask a nurse why their baby is still so healthy. How should the nurse reply?

  • A. Exposure to pathogens during this time can be limited.
  • B. Some antibodies are produced by the infant's colonic bacteria.
  • C. Antibodies are passively received from the mother through the placenta and breast milk.
  • D. Fewer antibodies are produced by the fetal thymus during the eighth and ninth months of gestation.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Infants receive passive immunity through antibodies from the mother during pregnancy and breastfeeding, which protect them initially. Choice A is incorrect because a 6-week-old infant born without an immune system would not be able to limit exposure to pathogens effectively. Choice B is incorrect as antibodies produced by colonic bacteria are not a significant source of immunity in infants. Choice D is incorrect as the fetal thymus primarily plays a role in T cell development rather than antibody production during gestation.