Pathophysiology: The Immune System
Course Overview
As health care becomes more complex, it is essential that the theoretical concepts of the basis of illness (pathophysiology) be well understood. The purpose of this course is to reinforce the scientific rationales for the interventions nurses perform and the decisions nurses make as patients move through the ever-changing management of their autoimmune or immune system disorder.
Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of this course, the learner should be able to:
- Review the general characteristics of active and passive immunity.
- Describe the role of cytokines in human immunity.
- Identify the cells of the innate immune system and their functions.
- Discuss the cells of the adaptive immune system and their functions.
- Analyze features of immunity in special populations.
- Evaluate the manifestation, diagnosis, and treatment of allergic conditions, including allergic rhinitis.
- Outline the clinical manifestations and management of anaphylaxis.
- Identify signs and symptoms of food allergy.
- Review the diagnosis and management of asthma in various patient populations.
- Describe the presentation and medical management of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Discuss key points in the recognition and management of systemic lupus erythematosus.
- Compare and contrast features of various other autoimmune rheumatic disorders, including Sjögren syndrome, spondyloarthropathies, and vasculitis.
- Analyze tools available to diagnose and treat Lyme disease.
- Describe the manifestations of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and available treatment options.
- Evaluate other immune system disorders, including sepsis.
About the Author/Presenter
Mary Franks, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and NetCE Nurse Planner. She works as a Nurse Division Planner for NetCE and a per diem nurse practitioner in urgent care in Central Illinois. Mary graduated with her Associate’s degree in nursing from Carl Sandburg College, her BSN from OSF Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing in 2013, and her MSN with a focus on nursing education from Chamberlain University in 2017. She received a second master's degree in nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Chamberlain University in 2019. She is an adjunct faculty member for a local university in Central Illinois in the MSN FNP program. Her previous nursing experience includes emergency/trauma nursing, critical care nursing, surgery, pediatrics, and urgent care. As a nurse practitioner, she has practiced as a primary care provider for long-term care facilities and school-based health services. She enjoys caring for minor illnesses and injuries, prevention of disease processes, health, and wellness. In her spare time, she stays busy with her two children and husband, coaching baseball, staying active with her own personal fitness journey, and cooking. She is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the Illinois Society of Advanced Practice Nursing, for which she is a member of the bylaws committee.
Audience/Accreditations and Approvals
TRC Healthcare/ NetCE
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by TRC Healthcare/ NetCE. TRC Healthcare/NetCE is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
This course is designed for the following healthcare professions (select your profession for details):
Nursing
If you require special accommodations, please contact Colibri Healthcare Support by clicking here: Contact Us
