Why is plasmapheresis indicated in the treatment of autoimmune disorders?
- A. Obtain plasma for analysis and evaluation of specific autoantibodies
- B. Decrease high lymphocyte levels in the blood to prevent immune responses
- C. Remove autoantibodies, antigen-antibody complexes, and inflammatory mediators of immune reactions
- D. Add monocytes to the blood to promote removal of immune complexes by the mononuclear phagocyte system
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Plasmapheresis removes harmful autoantibodies, immune complexes, and inflammatory mediators from the bloodstream.
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A main cytokine produced by CD4+ TH1 cells is
- A. IL-4
- B. IL-10
- C. IL-5
- D. IFN-γ
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: IFN-γ. CD4+ TH1 cells are known to primarily produce interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). This cytokine plays a crucial role in promoting cell-mediated immunity and enhancing the activity of macrophages. IL-4 (choice A) is produced by CD4+ TH2 cells and promotes humoral immunity. IL-10 (choice B) is an anti-inflammatory cytokine produced by various immune cells. IL-5 (choice C) is predominantly produced by CD4+ TH2 cells and is involved in eosinophil activation. Therefore, the main cytokine produced by CD4+ TH1 cells is IFN-γ, making choice D the correct answer.
Which of the following is a major site of immune complex deposition in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)?
- A. Thyroid
- B. Glomerular basement membrane
- C. Peripheral nerves
- D. Mast cells
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Glomerular basement membrane. In SLE, immune complexes deposit in various tissues, leading to inflammation and damage. The glomerular basement membrane is a common site for immune complex deposition in SLE, resulting in lupus nephritis. The other choices are incorrect because immune complex deposition does not typically occur in the thyroid, peripheral nerves, or mast cells in SLE. Thyroid involvement in SLE is more related to autoimmune thyroiditis, while peripheral nerves are not a major site for immune complex deposition in this condition. Mast cells are primarily involved in allergic reactions and are not a major target in SLE.
The nurse has contributed to an educational program for staff members. Which statement made by a staff member indicates a correct understanding of how passive immunity is provided?
- A. Having an acute disease.
- B. Administration of a toxoid.
- C. Administration of a vaccine.
- D. Administration of immunoglobulin.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, administration of immunoglobulin, for passive immunity. Immunoglobulin contains pre-formed antibodies that provide immediate protection against specific pathogens. Administering immunoglobulin transfers these antibodies to the recipient, offering temporary immunity. Choice A, having an acute disease, does not involve receiving external antibodies. Choice B, administration of a toxoid, induces active immunity against toxins, not passive immunity. Choice C, administration of a vaccine, stimulates active immunity by triggering the body to produce its antibodies, not providing immediate protection like passive immunity with immunoglobulin.
Tay-Sachs disease is an autosomal recessive disease. Both parents have been identified as heterozygous. There is a _____% chance that their offspring will be affected.
- A. 40%
- B. 50%
- C. 20%
- D. 25%
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: For an autosomal recessive disorder where both parents are carriers (heterozygous), there is a 25% chance that their offspring will inherit the condition because each child has a 1-in-4 chance of receiving two copies of the mutated gene.
T cells can recognize
- A. Linear peptides
- B. The shape of antigens
- C. Buried epitopes
- D. Soluble antigens
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: The shape of antigens. T cells recognize antigens based on their shape, specifically the conformational structure of the antigen. T cell receptors interact with the surface of antigens, forming a complex based on the shape complementarity. This interaction is crucial for T cell activation and immune response.
A: Linear peptides - While T cells can recognize linear peptides presented by MHC molecules, the primary mode of recognition is through the shape of antigens.
C: Buried epitopes - T cells typically recognize epitopes displayed on the surface of antigens rather than buried within the structure.
D: Soluble antigens - T cells can recognize both soluble and membrane-bound antigens, but the key factor is the shape rather than the solubility of the antigen.