Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
- When the immune system becomes severely compromised.
Adhesions
- Bands of scar tissue that form between or around organs.- May occur in the abdominal cavity or between the lungs and the pleura.- Those in the abdomen may cause an intestinal obstruction.
Dehiscence
- Separation and disruption of previously joined wound edges.- May be caused by: infection, weak granulation tissue, obesity, and pockets of fluid (seroma and hematoma).
Evisceration
- Occurs when wound edges separate to the extent that intestines protrude through wound.- Usually needs immediate surgical treatment.
Regeneration
The replacement of lost cells and tissues with cells of the same type.
Repair
- Healing, with connective tissue replacing lost cells.- Most common type of healing.
Shear
Pressure exerted on the skin when it adheres to the bed and the skin layers slide in the direction of body movement and excessive moisture.
Pressure Injury
Localized damage to the skin and/or underlying soft tissue.
Antigen
A substance that elicits an immune response.
Cytokines
Soluble factors secreted by WBCs and a variety of other cells in the body.
Cell-meditated Immunity
Immune responses that are initiated through specific antigen recognition by T cells.
Humoral Immunity
Consists of antibody-meditated immunity.
Hypersensitivity Reactions
Immune response is overreactive against foreign antigens or reacts against its own tissue, resulting in tissue damage.
Immunoresponsive Therapy
Involves giving small titers of an allergen extract in increasing strengths until hyposensitivity to the specific allergen is achieved.
Autoimmunity
An immune response against self in which the immune system no longer differentiates self from nonself.
Immunodeficiency
When the immune system does not adequately protect the body.
Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)
The antigens responsible for rejection of genetically unlike tissues.
Immunocompetence
Exists when the body's immune system can identify and inactivate or destroy foreign substances.