A nurse administers intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) to a child. What is the primary therapeutic goal of thi… - RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2015

RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2015

Child Health Nursing (Pediatrics)

Easy

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2015

Explanation

Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) consists of pre-formed antibodies (primarily IgG) pooled from thousands of donors.
Administering these ready-made antibodies provides passive immunity, which offers immediate protection against pathogens.
This type of immunity is short-term because the recipient's body does not produce its own antibodies or memory cells in response; the infused antibodies degrade over several weeks to months.
This makes it ideal for individuals who cannot produce their own antibodies (immunodeficiency) or need immediate protection.

Option B: IVIG provides antibodies directly; it does not stimulate the bone marrow to produce B-cells. B-cell production is part of the active immune response, typically triggered by vaccines or infection.
Option C: Creating long-lasting immunological memory is the hallmark of active immunity, which is achieved through vaccination or natural infection. Passive immunity from IVIG does not create memory cells.
Option D: While IVIG is used for its immunomodulatory effects in autoimmune diseases, the suppression is temporary, not permanent. The infused antibodies are eventually metabolized, and the underlying condition is not cured.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to The therapeutic action and type of immunity conferred by Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
Nurses administering IVIG must monitor patients closely for infusion-related adverse reactions, which can range from mild (fever, headache, chills) to severe (anaphylaxis, thromboembolic events).
The infusion rate must be started slowly and gradually increased according to protocol and patient tolerance. Baseline vital signs are essential before starting and should be monitored periodically throughout the infusion.
Patient education is crucial. The nurse should explain to the family that the protection is temporary and does not replace the need for routine vaccinations (unless contraindicated).

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)'.
Recall the definition of IVIG. It is a product made of antibodies from donors.
Consider the mechanism of action. Giving someone pre-made antibodies means their body doesn't have to make them. This is the definition of 'passive immunity'.
Evaluate the duration. Because the body doesn't learn to make these antibodies itself, the protection lasts only as long as the donated antibodies survive (a few weeks to months). This makes it 'short-term'.
Combine these concepts: IVIG provides 'immediate, short-term passive immunity'.
Check the options. Option A directly matches this conclusion. The other options describe active immunity (long-lasting memory, stimulating B-cells) or make an incorrect claim about permanency.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: The therapeutic action and type of immunity conferred by Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG).
Stem keywords: intravenous immunoglobulin, IVIG, child, therapeutic goal
Lead-in keywords: primary
Clinical cues: Age/sex group narrows the expected diagnosis, intervention, or normal reference range.
Negative lead-in flag: false

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E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 pp. 1588-1590, 1589-1591

E6 Pharmacology Katzung 16e p. 1533-1535