Injection of diphtheria antitoxin gives?

Appeared in: KPSC Staff Nurse - 2018

Explanation

Diphtheria antitoxin is a preparation containing pre-formed antibodies against the diphtheria toxin.
Administering these ready-made antibodies provides immediate but temporary protection, which is characteristic of passive immunity.
Because the antibodies are produced externally and introduced via injection, it is specifically classified as artificial passive immunity.
The recipient's immune system is not stimulated to produce its own antibodies or memory cells, so the protection is short-lived.

Option A: Active immunity involves the body producing its own antibodies in response to an antigen. Antitoxin provides antibodies directly, it does not stimulate the body to make them.
Option C: Natural immunity is acquired without medical intervention, either by contracting the disease (natural active) or from mother to baby (natural passive). Diphtheria antitoxin is a manufactured medical product.
Option D: Cellular immunity is primarily mediated by T-lymphocytes and does not involve antibodies. Antitoxins provide humoral immunity, which is antibody-mediated.

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.
Diphtheria antitoxin is used for treatment, not prevention. It neutralizes circulating toxin but does not eliminate the bacteria, so antibiotics are also required.
A key nursing responsibility is to perform a sensitivity test before administering the full dose of antitoxin (often derived from horse serum) to check for potential hypersensitivity reactions.
Emergency equipment and medications, such as epinephrine (adrenaline), must be readily available to manage potential anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'diphtheria antitoxin'.
Break down the term: 'Anti' means against, and 'toxin' refers to the poison produced by the bacteria. So, an antitoxin works against the toxin.
Recall the definitions of active and passive immunity. Active immunity is when your body 'actively' makes its own antibodies. Passive immunity is when you 'passively' receive ready-made antibodies.
Since an antitoxin is a solution of ready-made antibodies, it provides passive immunity.
Differentiate between natural and artificial. 'Natural' happens without medical intervention. 'Artificial' involves a medical procedure like an injection. An injection of antitoxin is an artificial process.
Combine the conclusions: The injection provides artificial passive immunity. Select the option that aligns with this, which is 'Passive immunity'.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pharmacology Nursing Lilley 11e Part 3 p. 148-150

E6 Physiology Essentials Sembulingam 10e Part 1 p. 126-128

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