"My doctor said I have an autoimmune disease. What does that mean?" asks a client. How should the nurse respond?

A. Aminoglycosides: Aminoglycosides are a different class of antibiotics. They do not have cross-sensitivity with penicillin. People who are allergic to penicillin can usually take aminoglycosides without a problem.

B. Erythromycins: Erythromycins are macrolide antibiotics. They are not related to penicillin structurally, so there is no cross-sensitivity between penicillin and erythromycins. People allergic to penicillin can generally take erythromycin without issues.

C. Quinolones: Quinolones, also known as fluoroquinolones, are a different class of antibiotics. They do not share a structural similarity with penicillin, so there is usually no cross-sensitivity between penicillin and quinolones. People allergic to penicillin can usually take quinolones without problems.

D. Cephalosporins: Cephalosporins are beta-lactam antibiotics, just like penicillins. They have a similar chemical structure to penicillins, which can lead to cross-sensitivity. Individuals who are allergic to penicillin might also have an allergic reaction to cephalosporins due to this structural resemblance. However, it's important to note that not all cephalosporins are the same, and the risk of cross-reactivity varies among different generations of cephalosporins. Healthcare providers need to assess the specific situation and choose an appropriate antibiotic if there is a known penicillin allergy.

A. Viral Latency: Some viruses, like herpesviruses, can enter a latent phase where they hide in host cells, making it challenging for the immune system to detect and target them.

B. Host Defense Failure: This term encompasses situations where the host's defense mechanisms, including physical barriers and immune responses, are not effective in preventing or controlling infection. For example, pathogens may develop mechanisms to evade detection by the immune system.

C. Immunosuppression: Pathogens can actively suppress the host's immune response. They may produce molecules or proteins that inhibit the immune system's ability to mount an effective defense.

D. Immunodeficiency: Individuals with immunodeficiency disorders have weakened immune systems, which can be congenital (genetic) or acquired. This weakness makes them more susceptible to infections.