NUR 631 TOPIC 2 DQ 2 • Online Nursing Essays

Sample Answer for NUR 631 TOPIC 2 DQ 2 Included After Question

Answer both of the following discussion questions for your discussion response using the “Discussion Forum Sample.” 

Explain the differences between innate and adaptive immunity. Explain the differences between the primary and secondary line of defense. What factors interfere with these mechanisms? How are these levels of immunity affected in a child, an elderly person, or a person with a chronic disease? 

Explain the complement system and the roles of macrophage, dendritic cells, mast cells, neutrophils, basophils, natural killer cells, T-cells (T-helper cells, cytotoxic T-cells, memory T-cells, and T-regulatory cells), and B-cells (antibodies and memory B-cells). 

A Sample Answer For the Assignment: NUR 631 TOPIC 2 DQ 2

Title: NUR 631 TOPIC 2 DQ 2

The innate immune system is the body’s first line of defense against germs entering the body (Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG), 2020). The innate immune system consists of protection offered by the skin and mucus membranes as well as the immune systems defense cells and proteins (Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG), 2020). In contrast, the adaptive immune system takes over if the innate immune system is unable to destroy germs (Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG), 2020). The adaptive immune system specifically targets the type of germ causing the infection (Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG), 2020). When comparing primary and secondary lines of defense, the body’s primary line of defense refers to physical and chemical barriers used to defend against invading pathogens (McCance et al., 2018). In contrast, the body’s secondary line of defense refers to the body’s more specific and adaptive immune response and includes both innate and acquired immunity (McCance et al., 2018). Many factors can interfere with the many mechanisms of the body’s immune system. Some of these include: stress, age, body composition, lifestyle factors, gut flora, and medications (McCance et al., 2018). When looking at different age groups and the affect on the immune system, the immune system’s capacity specifically declines with age after 70 years of age (McCance et al., 2018). Children in comparison have an innate, immature and adaptive immune system that matures and acquires memory and strength with age (McCance et al., 2018). With someone who has a chronic disease like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, the risk of developing various infections can be higher (McCance et al., 2018). 

The complement system is part of the body’s immune system that cleans up damaged cells, helps the body heal after an injury or infection and destroys microscopic organisms that cause sickness (McCance et al., 2018). Macrophages are a type of white blood cell that surrounds and kills microorganisms, removes dead cells, and stimulates the action of other immune system cells (Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG), 2020). Dendritic cells are a special type of immune cell that is found in the skin or other tissues and boosts the immune response by showing antigens on its surface to other cells of the immune system (Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG), 2020). Mast cells play an important role in how the immune system responds to certain bacteria and parasites and they help control other types of immune response (Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG), 2020). Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that is an important part of the immune system and helps the body fight infection as a first-line responder to bacterias and viruses (Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG), 2020). Basophils are a type of white blood cell that defends the body from allergens, pathogens and parasites (McCance et al., 2018). Natural killer T cells are a type of T cell that can kill invading microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses and cancer cells, by releasing cytokines (McCance et al., 2018). T-helper cells are immune cells produced by the thymus and activate other immune cells to fight an infection when it’s sensed in the body (McCance et al., 2018). Cytotoxic T cells are a type of immune cell that can kill foreign cells including cancer cells and cells infected with a virus (McCance et al., 2018). Cytotoxic T cells can be separated from other blood cells, grown in the laboratory, and then given to a patient to kill cancer cells (McCance et al., 2018). Memory T cells are antigen-specific T cells that remain in the body long after an infection has been eliminated (McCance et al., 2018). Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a specialized subpopulation of T cells that act to the suppress immune response, which helps maintain homeostasis and self-tolerance (McCance et al., 2018). B lymphocytes, also called B cells, create a type of protein called an antibody (McCance et al., 2018). These antibodies bind to pathogens or to foreign substances, such as toxins, to neutralize them (McCance et al., 2018). Once B-cells are activated, they become plasma cells that produce antibodies in response to an antigen (McCance et al., 2018). Or they become memory cells that remember the antigen so your immune system can quickly identify and fight it in the future (McCance et al., 2018). 

Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG). (2020, July 30). The innate and adaptive immune systems. InformedHealth.org – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279396/# 

McCance, K.L., Huether, S. E., Brashers, V. L., Rote, N. S. (2019). Pathophysiology: The biologic basis for disease in adults and children (Eighth ed.). Elsevier.