IV Glossary
Acquired immunity: Refers to immunity that develops with exposure to various antigens as an individual’s immune system builds a defense. (Chapter 4.2)
Adaptive immune response: Activated when the nonspecific, innate immune response is insufficient to control an infection; requires the body’s exposure to a pathogen to recognize it as a threat in order for it to respond. (Chapter 4.2)
Adjuvant chemotherapy: Given after surgery or radiation therapy to kill any remaining cancer cells and lower the risk of recurrence. (Chapter 4.3)
Allergens: Substances that are generally harmless to most individuals but may induce an allergic response in some. Common allergens include pollen, dust mites, pet dander, certain foods, and insect venom. (Chapter 4.5)
Allergic responses: A specific form of hypersensitivity reactions that arise when the immune system reacts to allergens. (Chapter 4.5)
Allergy: An inflammatory response due to a hypersensitivity to a substance that most people’s bodies perceive as harmless. (Chapter 4.2)
Allogeneic transplants: A procedure that involves obtaining stem cells from a matching donor, often a sibling or unrelated donor, and then transplanting them into the client after preparatory treatments. (Chapter 4.3)
Anaphylaxis: A life-threatening Type I hypersensitivity reaction that occurs rapidly and systemically, and if not promptly treated, it can be fatal. (Chapter 4.5)
Antibodies: Proteins that destroy pathogens based on their antigens. (Chapter 4.2)
Antigens: Markers that tell the immune system whether something in the body is harmful or not; found on viruses, bacteria, cancer cells, and even normal cells of the body. (Chapter 4.2)
Autoimmune disease: Caused by the body’s inability to distinguish its own healthy cells from abnormal cells or pathogens, producing antibodies that attack its own tissues. (Chapter 4.2)
Autoimmune reactions: Actions within the body where one’s own immune system accidentally initiates a response against the body’s own healthy cells, tissues, or organs. (Chapter 4.1)
Autologous transplants: A procedure where the client’s own stem cells are collected, purified, and then reinfused following intensive chemotherapy or radiation to destroy cancer cells. (Chapter 4.3)
B cells: Cells that produce antibodies that are used to attack invading bacteria, viruses, and toxins. (Chapter 4.2)
Benign: Cells that grow and divide in a more controlled manner, remaining localized to a certain area. (Chapter 4.3)
Bone marrow transplantation: The replacement of damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells to restore the body’s ability to produce essential blood cells. (Chapter 4.3)
Brachytherapy: A procedure where radioactive materials are placed directly inside or very close to the tumor. (Chapter 4.3)
Carcinogen: Any substance capable of causing cancer. (Chapter 4.3)
Carcinogenesis: The process of cancer development in the body. (Chapter 4.3)
Carcinoma in situ: Also known as Stage 0; cancerous or abnormal