Older adults generally mount lower immune responses to vaccines. Which age-related change is likely to contribute to these lower immune responses?
Lower number of complement proteins
Decreased populations of naïve T cells
Impaired primary defenses
Insufficient time outdoors
The Correct Answer is B
Naïve T cells are a type of white blood cell that has not encountered a specific antigen before and are ready to respond to new infections. As people age, the number of naïve T cells decreases due to the shrinking of the thymus gland, which produces and matures T cells. This reduces the ability of the immune system to recognize and fight new pathogens and lowers the effectiveness of vaccines.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus, a virus that infects and destroys CD4+ T cells, which are a type of white blood cell that coordinates the immune response against foreign invaders. HIV can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which is a condition where the immune system becomes severely weakened and unable to fight off common infections and cancers. HIV can be transmitted through sexual contact, blood transfusion, needle sharing, or mother-to-child transmission.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Spina bifida is a birth defect that occurs when the neural tube, which forms the brain and spinal cord, does not close properly during early fetal development. This can result in an opening in the spine that exposes the spinal cord and nerves, leading to various complications such as paralysis, bladder and bowel problems, hydrocephalus, and learning difficulties. Folic acid is a B vitamin that is essential for the formation of the neural tube and other organs in the embryo. Inadequate folic acid intake before and during pregnancy can increase the risk of spina bifida and other neural tube defects.
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