NCLEX® LPN Question of the Day: Adaptive immunity

In This Article

Today’s NCLEX® LPN question of the day focuses on active adaptive immunity. Do you know the answer? Let’s find out!

The nurse is reviewing a list of patients scheduled to be seen at the community health clinic. Which patient is most likely to develop active adaptive immunity?

A. A newborn who is breastfed

B. An older patient who has received hepatitis B immunoglobulin

C. A child who has been diagnosed with measles

D. A patient receiving monoclonal antibody therapy

Scroll down for the correct answer!

The correct answer to today’s NCLEX-PN® Question is…

C. A child who has been diagnosed with measles

Rationale: Active adaptive immunity occurs when a patient’s immune system produces antibodies following exposure to a particular antigen, such as the morbillivirus which causes measles.

Main Takeaway

Active adaptive immune response refers to antibodies produced by the patient’s immune system following exposure to a particular antigen.

Passive adaptive immunity is when ready-made antibodies are provided to a person. An example is breastfeeding provides passive adaptive immunity because maternal antibodies are transferred to the infant through breast milk. Lab-made antibodies against a specific pathogen, called monoclonal antibodies, can also be given to treat a particular infection like COVID-19 or even certain types of cancer cells.

Incorrect Answer Explanations

A. A newborn who is breastfed

Rationale: Breastfeeding provides passive adaptive immunity because maternal antibodies are transferred to the infant through breast milk.

B. An older patient who has received hepatitis B immunoglobulin

Rationale: A patient receiving hepatitis immunoglobulin is receiving passive adaptive immunity because preformed antibodies provide short-term protection against the hepatitis B viral infection.

D. A patient receiving monoclonal antibody therapy

Rationale: Monoclonal antibody therapy provides passive adaptive immunity because preformed antibodies are administered to the patient rather than being produced by the patient’s own immune system.