Administration of immunoglobulin is an example of?

DSSSB -28 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Microbiology

Easy

Appeared in: DSSSB -28 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

Passive acquired immunity is achieved by administering pre-formed antibodies, known as immunoglobulins, from an external source.
This method provides immediate protection against a pathogen, which is crucial for post-exposure prophylaxis.
Unlike active immunity, it does not stimulate the recipient's immune system to produce its own antibodies, so there is no long-term memory.
The protection is temporary, lasting only for a few weeks to months, as the donated antibodies are eventually broken down and cleared from the body.

Option A: Active natural immunity develops when a person's own immune system produces antibodies in response to a natural infection, not from receiving an injection of antibodies.
Option B: Active acquired immunity is induced by vaccination, where an antigen is introduced to stimulate the body to produce its own antibodies. Immunoglobulin administration provides antibodies directly.
Option C: Passive natural immunity involves the transfer of antibodies from a mother to her baby, either through the placenta (IgG) or breast milk (IgA). It is a natural process, not a medical administration.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Types of Immunity as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses frequently administer immunoglobulins for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) when immediate protection is critical, such as for rabies, tetanus, or hepatitis B exposure.
It is a vital nursing responsibility to understand that immunoglobulins and vaccines should not be mixed in the same syringe or administered at the same anatomical site, as the immunoglobulin can neutralize the vaccine antigen.
What if? If a patient with an unknown tetanus vaccination history sustains a deep, contaminated wound, the nurse would anticipate orders for both Tetanus Immunoglobulin (TIG) for immediate passive protection and the Tdap/Td vaccine to stimulate long-term active immunity. They must be given at different sites.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'administration of immunoglobulin'.
Recall or deduce the nature of immunoglobulins. They are pre-formed antibodies.
Categorize the type of immunity. Since the body is 'passively' receiving antibodies rather than 'actively' making them, it is a form of passive immunity. This eliminates 'active natural' and 'active acquired' immunity.
Differentiate between the remaining passive options. 'Natural' passive immunity is transferred from mother to child. Since immunoglobulins are administered medically (artificially), it is 'acquired' immunity.
Combine the deductions: The process is both 'passive' and 'acquired'. Therefore, 'passive acquired immunity' is the correct answer.

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