Health Promotion and Maintenance Q 28

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A 23-year-old client is diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). After recovering from the initial shock of the diagnosis, the client expresses a desire to learn as much as possible about HIV and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). When teaching the client about the immune system, the nurse states that adaptive immunity is provided by which type of white blood cell?

  

     A. Neutrophil

     B. Basophil

     C. Monocyte

     D. Lymphocyte

    

    

Correct Answer: D. Lymphocyte

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The lymphocyte provides adaptive immunity — recognition of a foreign antigen and formation of memory cells against the antigen. Adaptive immunity is mediated by B and T lymphocytes and can be acquired actively or passively.

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Option A: The neutrophil is crucial to phagocytosis. Phagocytosis is a process by which certain living cells called phagocytes ingest or engulf other cells or particles.

Option B: The basophil plays an important role in the release of inflammatory mediators. Basophils play a role in preventing blood clotting because they contain heparin. This is a naturally occurring blood-thinning substance.

Option C: The monocyte functions in phagocytosis and monokine production. Monocytes are bone marrow-derived leukocytes that circulate in the blood and spleen.

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