Case Study: Immune System Modulation:
Vaccination/immunization is the process of introducing a foreign substance (a vaccine) into the body to trigger immune activation before the patient is exposed to the real pathogen. As a result of the vaccination, memory B cells are formed. When later exposed to the actual infectious organism, these cells will react quickly by producing large quantities of antibodies that will help neutralize/destroy the pathogen.
On pages 409-410, the goal of vaccine administration is discussed along with a description of the different types of methods used to produce vaccines.
Describe the goal of vaccine administration, including the immune cells that are stimulated
Describe each of the four methods of producing safe/effective vaccines
Give an example for each method
List any common/severe side effects of vaccine administration
Case Study: Bacterial Infections:
Go to the following page on the CDC website: www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/national-strategy/index.html
Read the article about drug resistance.
On page 425 in your book, they list principles the CDC has recommended to delay the emergence of resistance.
Describe each of these principles and what strategies you could utilize to delay the emergence of resistance with your patients by using these principles.
Use the information from above to complete this case study:
For several years Mrs. S has been taking antibiotics on and off for urinary tract infections/UTIs. Sometimes she saves leftover antibiotics and uses them when she thinks she has a UTI. She has been warned that the more antibiotics she takes, the more likely it is she will develop an infection that is resistant to that drug.
Explain why Mrs. S. should be careful about her use of antibiotics and point out special precautions you think she should take based on her problem.
What patient education would you do with Mrs. S to make her aware of the possibility she could develop a drug resistant UTI?
List some non-pharmacologic self-care and treatments you think she should do to help with this recurring problem. Explain your rationale.
Mrs. S may be in danger of developing a superinfection.
What is a superinfection and how does it happen (e.g. risks associated with its occurrence)?
What patient education should you provide Mrs. S to prevent a superinfection?
