Conclusion
The immune system protects the body against invasion of microorganisms.
Microorganisms that cause infection are called pathogens. Two of the most
common are bacteria and viruses. The chain of infection must be followed in
order for the pathogen to infect the body. Infection follows four stages begin-
ning with the incubation period and progressing to the convalescence period.
The immune system uses five methods to protect the body: natural immu-
nity, naturally acquired active immunity, naturally acquired passive immu-
nity, artificially acquired active immunity, and artificially acquired passive
immunity.
A person can become immune by receiving a vaccination. The vaccination
can be live attenuated, inactivated, or toxoids.
Bacterial infections include diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzaetype B, Lyme
disease, pertussis, and tetanus. Viral infections include fifth disease, mumps,
roseola infantum, poliomyelitis, rubella, rubeola, varicella, and mononucleosis.(^322) Pediatric Nursing Demystified
FINAL CHECKUP
- The health-care provider orders a live attenuated vaccine to be administered to
a 3-year-old. What question should you ask before administering the vaccination?
a. Has the child been taking corticosteroids for the past 2 weeks?
b. Can the child sit still when you give the injection?
c. Has the child ever received an injection before?
d. Is the parent able to hold the child when the injection is administered? - A mother calls you saying that her 1-month-old daughter was exposed to a child
who has diphtheria. What is your best response?
a. Bring your child immediately to the ED.
b. Get your child vaccinated immediately.
c. If you were vaccinated for diphtheria and you gave birth to your daughter, then
your daughter is protected the first 6 months of her life by your antibodies.
d. Don’t be concerned. Diphtheria is not contagious. - The health-care provider orders penicillin G for a child who has been diagnosed
with tetanus. The child’s mother tells you that the child is allergic to penicillin.
What should you expect the health-care provider to order?
a. Erythromycin
b. Acetaminophen
c. Antipruitics
d. NSAIDs
?