Immune Defenses, Infection Recognition, and Anti-infective Stewardship

All flashcards

What is innate immunity?

Innate immunity is a rapid, nonspecific first line of defense that does not require prior exposure. Examples include skin, stomach acidity, phagocytic cells, and inflammation.

What distinguishes adaptive immunity from innate immunity?

Adaptive immunity recognizes specific antigens and can form immune memory. Its first response is initially slower, but later responses to the same pathogen can be faster.

What are common manifestations associated with infection?

Possible manifestations include fever, malaise, nausea, vomiting, and pain. Findings vary, and a single symptom does not by itself prove infection.

Why may infection be harder to recognize in an immunocompromised client?

Reduced immune defenses increase susceptibility to infection, and the client may not develop typical signs such as fever. This can delay recognition and increase the risk of serious illness.

What is anti-infective stewardship?

Anti-infective stewardship is the judicious use of anti-infective medicines, guided by the likely organism, to avoid unnecessary treatment of organisms that are not present.

Quiz questions

1. Which type of immunity acts rapidly without requiring prior exposure to a microorganism?Answer: Innate immunity
2. What is an antigen in adaptive immunity?Answer: A specific target recognized by adaptive immune cells
3. How can immune memory affect a later exposure to the same pathogen?Answer: It can allow the adaptive immune system to respond more quickly.
4. A client receiving chemotherapy has no fever but may have an infection. What principle should guide the response?Answer: Investigate possible infection because typical signs may be absent.
5. Why is identifying the likely organism important when selecting an anti-infective medicine?Answer: It helps direct treatment toward the likely cause and avoid unnecessary medicine use.