Immune Disorders, HIV/AIDS, and Autoimmune Diseases — NCLEX-PN Review | Chapter 59: Saunders

Immune Disorders, HIV/AIDS, and Autoimmune Diseases — NCLEX-PN Review | Chapter 59: Saunders

Chapter 59 of Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-PN® Examination (7th Edition) by Linda Anne Silvestri and Angela E. Silvestri provides a thorough and clinically focused review of immune system function, immune-related disorders, and essential nursing interventions. This chapter prepares NCLEX-PN candidates to recognize immune responses, manage hypersensitivity and autoimmune conditions, care for patients with HIV/AIDS, and implement infection prevention strategies.

Watch the lecture above for a complete immune system nursing review, then read the detailed breakdown below to reinforce your NCLEX-PN pharmacology and pathophysiology knowledge.

Saunders NCLEX-PN Examination Review book cover

Immune System Overview

  • Innate vs. Acquired Immunity: first-line defenses vs. learned immune responses.
  • T-Cells: cell-mediated immunity, targeting infected or abnormal cells.
  • B-Cells: antibody production, humoral immunity.
  • Key lab tests: ANA, anti-dsDNA, CD4+ count, viral load monitoring.

Hypersensitivity Reactions

  • Allergies: antihistamines, corticosteroids, desensitization therapy.
  • Skin testing precautions to prevent systemic reaction.
  • Latex allergy: prevention, latex-free environment, identifying at-risk patients.

Anaphylaxis Emergency Care

  • Immediate airway management, oxygen administration, IV access.
  • Medications: epinephrine, diphenhydramine, corticosteroids.
  • Continuous monitoring for rebound symptoms.

Immunodeficiency Disorders

  • HIV/AIDS: staging, opportunistic infections (e.g., Pneumocystis jiroveci), malignancies like Kaposi’s sarcoma.
  • CD4 count monitoring; infection prevention through aseptic technique.
  • Psychosocial support for chronic illness management.

Autoimmune Diseases

  • SLE: malar rash, fatigue, organ involvement, immunosuppressive therapy.
  • Scleroderma: fibrosis, dysphagia precautions, corticosteroids.
  • Pemphigus: blistering, skin and oral care, cytotoxic drugs.
  • Goodpasture’s Syndrome: lung/kidney symptoms, plasmapheresis.
  • Polyarteritis nodosa: systemic vasculitis care similar to SLE.

Lyme Disease

  • Prevention: tick protection measures, prompt removal.
  • Early signs: bull’s-eye rash, fever, fatigue.
  • Late-stage: arthritis, neurological symptoms; antibiotic treatment protocols.

Posttransplant Immunodeficiency

  • Medication teaching for immunosuppressants.
  • Rejection monitoring and infection prevention.

NCLEX-Priority Skills

  • Recognizing early hypersensitivity reactions.
  • Managing anaphylaxis with correct medication sequence.
  • Infection control in immunocompromised patients.
  • Client education on medication side effects and lab monitoring.

Conclusion

Chapter 59 equips nursing students with essential knowledge to manage immune disorders, from acute emergencies like anaphylaxis to chronic care for autoimmune diseases and HIV/AIDS. Mastering these concepts ensures both exam readiness and safe clinical practice.

Subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more NCLEX-focused lectures and clinical care reviews.

View the complete Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-PN® Examination (7th Edition) playlist here: Complete NCLEX-PN Review Playlist

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