An infant is diagnosed with severe deficiency of innate immunity. Which explanations of this system of immunity should the nurse offer the infant's family?

Question

Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.
Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. "Innate immunity is that which is present at birth."
2. "Your baby's innate immunity protects him against some microbes."
3. "Innate immunity protects your baby against any foreign substance introduced into the body."
4. "Your baby's innate immunity should get stronger as he is exposed to pathogens."
5. "We were able to determine that innate immunity rather than acquired immunity was depressed because blood tests showed normal levels of complement."

Answer 1

1,2
Rationale 1: Innate immunity is inborn immunity.
Rationale 2: Innate immunity responds to the presence of microbes in the body.
Rationale 3: Innate immunity responds only to microbes, not to noninfectious substances.
Rationale 4: Adaptive immunity gets stronger with repeated exposure. A baby with depressed innate immunity is likely to encounter a fatal infection at an early age.
Rationale 5: Complement is an element of innate immunity. Normal levels would indicate the system is intact.