Administration of readymade antibodies creates?

TMC Staff Nurse - 2019

Applied Microbiology & Infection control

Easy

Appeared in: TMC Staff Nurse - 2019

Explanation

The term 'readymade antibodies' signifies that the antibodies are pre-formed and not produced by the individual's own immune system.
This is a 'passive' process because the recipient's body is not actively involved in creating the immune response.
It is 'artificial' because the antibodies are prepared externally (e.g., in a lab or another host) and then administered, typically via injection.
This method provides immediate but temporary protection, as the administered antibodies are eventually broken down and no memory cells are created.

Option A: Active artificial immunity requires the body to produce its own antibodies in response to an antigen, such as a vaccine. This is the opposite of receiving 'readymade' antibodies.
Option C: Active natural immunity develops after a person is naturally exposed to a pathogen, gets sick, and their body produces antibodies to fight the infection. It is an active process and occurs naturally, not through medical administration.
Option D: Passive natural immunity involves the transfer of antibodies naturally, not through artificial administration. The classic example is a baby receiving antibodies from its mother.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Types of Acquired Immunity as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Passive artificial immunity is critical for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) when immediate protection is needed, such as after a bite from a rabid animal (rabies immunoglobulin) or a deep, contaminated wound in an unimmunized person (tetanus immunoglobulin).
Nurses must know that when both a vaccine (for active immunity) and an immunoglobulin (for passive immunity) are required, they should be administered at different anatomical sites to prevent the immunoglobulin from neutralizing the vaccine antigen.
What if? If a patient with no history of tetanus vaccination suffers a puncture wound from a rusty nail, the correct action is to administer both Tetanus Immunoglobulin (TIG) for immediate passive protection and the first dose of the tetanus toxoid vaccine (Tdap/Td) to begin building active immunity. The immunoglobulin provides a bridge of protection until the vaccine takes effect.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the keywords in the question: 'administration' and 'readymade antibodies'.
'Readymade' implies the immune components are pre-formed and given to the person, rather than being made by their own body. This points to 'Passive' immunity.
'Administration' suggests a medical intervention, which points to 'Artificial' immunity.
Combine these two concepts: 'Passive' + 'Artificial' = Passive Artificial Immunity.
Review the options to find the one that matches this conclusion.
Eliminate the other options by defining them: Active (body makes antibodies), Natural (occurs via infection or from mother to child).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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