NR-507 Study Guide
Chapters 1-5, 11-14, 16-20, 21-25, 27-3-33, 34-39, 40-47
1. Types of immunity-e.g. innate, active, etc (ch 7 ,191)
Innate immunity includes two lines of defense: natural barriers and inflammation Natural barriers are
physical, mechanical, and biochemical barriers at the body’s surfaces and are in place at birth to prevent
damage by substances in the environment and thwart infection by pathogenic microorganisms.
the natural epithelial barrier and inflammation confer innate resistance and protection, commonly referred
to as innate, native, or natural immunity. Inflammation associated with infection usually initiates an
adaptive process that results in a long-term and very effective immunity to the infecting microorganism,
referred to as adaptive, acquired, or specific immunity.
Adaptive immunity is relatively slow to develop but has memory and more rapidly targets and eradicates a
second infection with a particular disease-causing microorganism.
Innate immunity includes two lines of defense: natural barriers and inflammation. Natural barriers are
physical, mechanical, and biochemical barriers at the body’s surfaces and are in place at birth to prevent
damage by substances in the environment and thwart infection by pathogenic microorganisms
INNATE IMMUNITY
BARRIERS INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE ADAPTIVE (ACQUIRED) IMMUNITY
Level of defense First line of defense against infection and Second line of defense; occurs as a response to Third line ofdefense; initiated when
tissue injury tissue injury or infection innate immune system signals the
cells ofadaptive immunity
Timing of defense Constant Immediate response Delay between primary exposure to
antigen and maximum response;
immediate against secondary exposure
to antigen
Specificity Broadly specific Broadly specific Response is very specific toward
“antigen”
Cells Epithelial cells Mast cells, granulocytes (neutrophils, T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes,
eosinophils, basophils), macrophages, dendritic cells
monocytes/macrophages, natural killer (NK)
cells, platelets, endothelial cells
Memory No memory involved No memory involved Specific immunologic memory by T and
B lymphocytes
Peptides Defensins, cathelicidins, collectins, Complement, clotting factors, kinins Antibodies, complement
lactoferrin, bacterial toxins
Protection Protection includes anatomic barriers Protection includes vascular responses, cellular Protection includes activated T and B
(i.e., skin and mucous membranes), cells components (e.g., mast cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, cytokines, and antibodies
and secretory molecules or cytokines macrophages), secretory molecules or
(e.g., lysozymes, low pH of stomach and cytokines, and activation of plasma protein
urine), and ciliary activity systems
2. Alveolar ventilation/perfusion- (ch, 34,pg 1238)
The relationship between arterial perfusion and alveolar gas pressure at the base of the lungs is best described as:
arterial perfusion pressure exceeds alveolar gas pressure.
Effective gas exchange depends on an approximately even distribution of gas (ventilation) and blood (perfusion) in all
portions of the lungs. The lungs are suspended from the hila in the thoracic cavity. When the individual is in an
upright position (sitting or standing), gravity pulls the lungs down toward the diaphragm and compresses their lower
portions or bases.
3. Dermatologic conditions e.g. pityriasis rosea (ch46, pg 1630/1631)
Psoriasis, pityriasis rosea, and lichen planus are inflammatory disorders characterized by papules, scales, plaques, and
erythema
Psoriasis is a chronic, relapsing, proliferative, inflammatory disorder that involves the skin, scalp, and nails and can
occur at any age.
Pityriasis rosea is a benign self-limiting inflammatory disorder that occurs more often in young adults, with seasonal
peaks in the spring and fall. The cause is unknown but
thought to be associated with a virus (e.g., human herpesvirus 6 [HHV-6] and HHV-7) because of the timing and
clustering of the outbreaks
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, Pityriasis rosea begins as a single lesion known as a herald patch that is circular, demarcated, and salmon-pink; is
approximately 3 to 4 cm in diameter; and is usually located on the trunk
Lichen planus (LP) is a benign, autoimmune inflammatory disorder of the skin and mucous membranes with multiple
clinical variations. The cause is unknown, but T cells, adhesion molecules, inflammatory cytokines, perforin, and
antigen-presenting cells are involved.The infiltrate of T cells mediates immunoreactivity against basal layer
keratinocytes, which have altered surface antigens and adhesion molecules
LP is also linked to hepatitis C virus. Some individuals develop lichenoid lesions after exposure to drugs or film-
processing chemicals. The age of onset is usually between 30 and 70 years. The disorder begins with flat purple,
polygonal, pruritic, nonscaling papules 2 to 4 mm in size, usually located on the wrists, ankles, lower legs, and
genitalia
New lesions are pale pink and evolve into a dark violet. Persistent lesions may be thickened and red, forming
hypertrophic LP. Oral lesions (oral lichen planus) appear as lacy white rings that must be differentiated from
leukoplakia or oral candidiasis and they may be precancerous lesions
4. Croup (C 36,pg 1294)-
Croup illnesses can be divided into two categories: (1) acute laryngotracheobronchitis (croup) and (2)
spasmodic croup. Diphtheria can be considered a croup illness but is now rare because of
vaccinations. Croup illnesses are all characterized by infection and obstruction of the upper airways.
Croup is an acute laryngotracheobronchitis and most commonly occurs in children from 6 months to 3 years of
age, with peak incidence at 2 years of age
The incidence of croup is highest in late autumn and winter, corresponding to the parainfluenza and RSV
seasons, respectively. Croup is more common in boys than girls. In a significant portion of affected
children, croup is a recurrent problem during childhood, and there is a family history of croup in about 15% of
cases
Chickenpox (varicella) and herpes zoster (shingles) are produced by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). VZV is a
complex herpes group deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) virus. The incubation period is 10 to 27 days, averaging 14
days. Productive infection occurs within keratinocytes such that the vesicular lesions occur in the epidermis, and
an inflammatory infiltrate is often present
5. Types of anemia (ch 28,pg 987-1002)
anemia is a reduction in the total number of erythrocytes in the circulating blood or a decrease in the quality or
quantity of hemoglobin. Anemias commonly result from (1) impaired erythrocyte production, (2) blood loss
(acute or chronic), (3) increased erythrocyte destruction, or (4) a combination of these three factors.
Pernicious anemia (PA), the most common type of megaloblastic anemia, is caused by vitamin B12deficiency,
which is often associated with the end stage of type A chronic atrophic (congenital or autoimmune) gastritis. PA
results from inadequate vitamin B12 absorption because of autoantibodies against the B12transporter IF
Folate (folic acid) is an essential vitamin for RNA and DNA synthesis within the maturing erythrocyte. Folates are
coenzymes required for the synthesis of thymine and purines (adenine and guanine) and the
conversion of homocysteine to methionine. Deficient production of thymine, in particular, affects cells
undergoing rapid division (e.g., bone marrow cells undergoing erythropoiesis). Humans are totally dependent on
dietary intake to meet the daily requirement of 50 to 200 mcg/day. Folate deficiency anemia is caused by
inadequate dietary intake of folate. Both anemias respond to replacement therapy.
The microcytic-hypochromic anemias are characterized by abnormally small erythrocytes that contain
abnormally reduced amounts of hemoglobin
Microcytic-hypochromic anemia can result from (1) disorders of iron metabolism, (2) disorders ofporphyrin and
heme synthesis, or (3) disorders of globin synthesis. Specific disorders include iron deficiency anemia, side
roblastic anemia, and thalassemia
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common type of anemia worldwide, occurring in both developing and
developed countries and affecting as many as one fifth of the world population. Certain populations are at high
risk for developing hypoferremia and IDA and include individuals living in poverty, women of childbearing age,
and children. Iron deficiency in children is associated with numerous adverse health-related manifestations,
especially cognitive impairment, which may be irreversible
Sideroblastic anemias (SAs) are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by anemia of varying severity
caused by a defect in mitochondrial heme synthesis.SA is characterized by the presence of ringed side roblasts
within the bone marrow. SA results from defects in mitochondrial metabolism leading to ineffective iron uptake
and dysfunctional heme synthesis. The characteristic cell in the bone marrow, a ringed sideroblast, is an
erythroblast containing iron granules arranged around the nucleus. SAs may be hereditary or acquired, and
treatment varies depending on the cause.
Normocytic-normochromic anemias (NNAs) are characterized by erythrocytes that are relatively normal in size
and hemoglobin content but insufficient in number. These anemias have no common etiology, pathologic
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, mechanisms, or morphologic characteristics. They are less frequent than macrocytic-normochromic and
microcytic-hypochromic anemias.
NNAs include five distinct groups: aplastic (damage to bone marrow erythropoiesis); posthemorrhagic (acute
blood loss); acquired hemolytic (immune destruction of erythrocytes); hereditary hemolytic, such as sickle cell
(destruction by eryptosis); and anemia of chronic inflammation (multiple causes)
Macrocytic-normochromic, or megaloblastic-normochromic, anemias are characterized by larger than normal
erythrocytes with normal levels of hemoglobin. They most commonly are caused by deficiency of vitamin
B12 (PA) or folate.
Aplastic anemia (AA) is a critical condition characterized by pancytopenia, a reduction or absence of all three
blood cell types, resulting from failure or suppression of bone marrow to produce adequate amounts of blood
cells
Posthemorrhagic anemia is a normocytic-normochromic anemia caused by acute blood loss. Initial
manifestations of this event depend on the severity of blood loss. If blood loss is severe, the significant
manifestations are related to loss of blood volume rather than loss of hemoglobin.
The predominant event in hemolytic anemias is premature accelerated destruction of erythrocytes, either
episodically or continuously. The consequences of the anemia are elevated levels of erythropoietin to induce
accelerated production of erythrocytes and an increase in the products of hemoglobin catabolism.
Anemia of chronic disease (ACD) is a mild to moderate anemia resulting from decreased erythropoiesis in
individuals with conditions of chronic systemic disease or inflammation (e.g., infections, cancer, and chronic
inflammatory or autoimmune diseases). These conditions include acquired immunodeficiency disease (AIDS),
malaria (particularly that caused by Plasmodium falciparum), rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus
(SLE), acute and chronic hepatitis, and chronic renal failure (a condition in which almost all affected individuals
are anemic)
This form of anemia also is commonly noted in the presence of congestive heart failure (CHF).
The anemia develops after 1 to 2 months of disease activity. The initial severity is related to that of the
underlying disorder but, although persistent, it usually does not progress. Individuals may be asymptomatic, or
the anemia may be a coincidental clinical finding.
6. The inflammatory process upon injury ( ch 7)
The inflammatory response is initiated upon tissue injury or when PAMPs are recognized by PRRs on cells of the
innate immune system.
There are two types of human defense mechanisms: innate resistance or immunity conferred by natural barriers and
the inflammatory response; and the adaptive (acquired) immune system.
Many different types of cells are involved in the inflammatory process including mast cells, granulocytes (neutrophils,
eosinophils, basophils), monocytes/macrophages, NK cells and lymphocytes, and cellular fragments (platelets).
The cells of the innate immune system secrete many biochemical mediators that are responsible for the vascular
changes associated with inflammation and for modulating the localization and activities of other inflammatory cells.
The mediators include histamine, chemotactic factors, leukotrienes, prostaglandins, and platelet-activating factor.
7. GI symptoms resulting in heart burn( ch 41, pg 1429- 1466)
The clinical manifestations of (GERD) reflux esophagitis are heartburn from acid regurgitation, chronic cough, asthma
attacks and laryngitis.
Heartburn also may be experienced as chest pain, which requires ruling out cardiac ischemia.
Hiatal hernias are often asymptomatic. Generally, a wide variety of symptoms develop later in life and are associated
with other gastrointestinal disorders, including GERD. Manifestations of the various types of hiatal hernia are difficult
to distinguish. Symptoms include heartburn, regurgitation, dysphagia, and epigastric pain
Early stages of esophageal carcinoma are asymptomatic. The two main manifestations of esophageal carcinoma are
chest pain and dysphagia. The most common type of pain is heartburn (pyrosis). It is initiated by eating spicy or highly
seasoned foods and by lying down.
8. Pulmonary terminology such as dyspnea, orthopnea, etc ( ch 35, pg 1249)
Dyspnea is a feeling of breathlessness and increased respiratory effort.
Orthopnea is dyspnea when a person lies flat
Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea occurs at night and requires the person to sit or stand for relief.
9. Complications of gastric resection surgery (c 41, pg 1439)
Weight loss often follows gastric resection but stabilizes within 3 months. Inadequate food intake is a common cause
because many individuals cannot tolerate the osmotic effect of carbohydrates or a normal-size meal. Foods may be
poorly absorbed because the stomach is less able to mix, churn, and break down food particles. Abdominal pain,
vomiting, diarrhea, and malabsorption of fats also contribute to weight loss. In the case of bariatric surgery for
extreme obesity, weight loss is the intended outcome.
10. Dermatology terminology-macules, nevi, etc ( ch 46, pg 1620)
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