Health Science I

Structures of Lymphatic System Lymph Fluid Lymphatic Vessels Lymph Nodes Tonsils Spleen Thymus

Lymph Fluid go-between for capillaries and tissue Straw colored similar to plasma AKA Interstitial fluid Composed of H 2 O, lymphocytes, some granulocytes, O 2, digested nutrients, hormones, salts, CO 2 and urea Doesn’t contain RBC’s or protein

Lymph Fluid con’t Carries digested food, O 2 and hormones to cells and carries wastes back to capillaries for excretion Skeletal muscle squeezes and moves fluid Valves prevent back flow

Lymph Vessels Accompany and closely parallel veins Located in almost all tissues and organs that have blood vessels Tissue lymph enters small lymph vessels which drain into larger vessels called lymphatics They then flow into one of two large, main lymphatics Thoracic duct aka left lymphatic duct Right lymphatic duct Flows in one direction, toward the heart

Lymphatic Ducts Thoracic duct receives lymph fluid from the left side of the chest, head, neck, abdominal area and lower limbs  left subclavian vein  superior vena cava  heart Right lymphatic duct receives lymph fluid from the right arm, right side of the head and upper trunk  right subclavian  superior vena cava  heart

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Lymph Nodes Tiny oval shaped structures ranging from pinhead to almond size Located only or in groups Site for lymphocyte production and filtering harmful substances (bacteria or cancer cells) If substance can’t be destroyed, node becomes inflamed

Tonsils Masses of lymphatic tissue that produce lymphocytes and filter bacteria, shrink as we age Three pairs of tonsils Palatine- sides the soft palate Adenoids- upper part of the throat Lingual- back of the tongue

Spleen Sac-like mass of lymphatic tissue Located in the LUQ just below diaphragm Forms lymphocytes and monocytes Stores large amounts of RBC’s During excessive bleeding spleen contracts releasing RBC’s into circulation Destroys and removes old RBC’s

Thymus Located in upper anterior part of the thorax above the heart Produces lymphocytes Also considered an endocrine gland because it secretes a hormone to produce lymph cells

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Functions of the Lymphatic System Fluid balance Filtration Lymphocyte production Immunity

Fluid Balance Transports excess tissue fluid back into circulatory system Why is this important? Fluid IN Fluid OUT

Filtration Occurs in lymph nodes Filters out bacteria, cancer cells, viruses ect. How does filtration affect they lymphatic system?

Lymphocyte Production Occurs in the spleen, thymus and nodes Lymphocytes help the body fight against disease and germs A type of WBC that synthesizes and releases antibodies Why is this important to our health?

Immunity The body’s ability to resist bacterial invasion and disease 2 types of immunity Natural- at birth, inherited and permanent Ex- unbroken skin, local inflammation, mucus, tears, blood phagocytes Acquired-body’s reaction to invaders

Immunity con’t Acquired 2 types Passive acquired immunity- borrowed immunity Babies get this from mothers at birth Exposure to a virus Last 3-5 weeks, temporary protection Active acquired immunity- last a lifetime Natural acquired- having a disease and recovering (chickenpox) Artificial acquired- immunizations and vaccines (MMR)

Immunity IMMUNIZATION – increasing resistance to particular diseases by artificial or natural means Vaccination- Antigen injected into a person to stimulate production of antibodies Antigen may be dead or weakened bacteria, virus or toxin

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Disorders of the Lymphatic System Lymphadenitis Cancer Anaphylactic shock HIV/AIDS Hodgkin’s disease Infectious mononucleosis Lymphedema Tonsillitis Lupus erythematous Scleroderma

Incubation period Time interval between entry of infection and onset of symptoms

Lymphadenitis Enlargement if the lymph node Occurs when the body is fighting infection Referred to as “swollen glands”

Cancer and Hodgkin’s disease Cancer cells can be in lymph nodes, HCW must be aware potential problems Hodgkin’s- form of cancer in lymph nodes Symptoms painless swelling Treatment- radiation and chemotherapy Prognosis is good

Anaphylactic shock Severe or fatal allergic reaction Allergen- an antigen that causes allergic response Hypersensitivity abnormal response to a drug or allergen Antigen/antibody reaction causes massive secretion of histamine Symptoms include breathing problems, headache, facial swelling, drop in BP, stomach cramps and vomiting Treatment or antidote is adrenaline or antihistamine Prognosis is good with proper and early treatment Always ask patients if they have allergies to food or drugs

Tonsillitis Infected and enlarged tonsils Symptoms are difficulty swallowing, severe sore throat, elevated temperature and chills Treatment is to cure infection Surgery is done only in extreme cases Tonsilectomy

Lymphedema Swelling due to a blockage of the lymph passages Causes are radiation, surgery, tumors, and mastectomy Symptom is swelling Treatment is to wrapped affected area, lymph drainage and ROM exercises Prognosis is ok lymphedema is a lifelong disease

Infectious Mononucleosis AKA “mono” or “the kissing disease” because it is spread by oral contact and Epstein-Barr virus Affects young children and adults Symptoms are enlarged lymph nodes, fever, fatigue, high leukocyte count Treat symptoms (virus so no cure), bed rest and fluids

Lupus Erythematous Autoimmune disease that can be from family predisposition, viruses or even sunlight Symptoms are fatigue, rashes and joint pain; in severe cases the body attacks it’s organs Treatment is anti-inflammatory medication and symptom control There is no cure Seal, Michael Jackson and Nick Cannon have lupus

Scleroderma Thickening of the skin and blood vessels Symptoms are Raynaud’s (spasm of finger and toe blood vessels), changes in skin color, pain Will result in loss of movement and dyspnea NO cure Treatment is to manage symptoms

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HIV/AIDS Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Human immunodeficiency virus AIDS suppresses the natural immune defense system HIV causes AIDS People with AIDS can’t fight infections and cancers

HIV/AIDS Transmission by: Sex with someone who is HIV positive Sharing needles with infected IV drug users At birth from infected mother Three responses to HIV infection: HIV AIDS Asymptomatic infection-has HIV but no symptoms

Symptoms of AIDS Prolonged fatigue Persistent fevers or night sweats Persistent, unexplained cough Thick coating in throat or on tongue Easy bruising, unexplained bleeding Appearance of purple lesions on mucous membranes or skin that don’t go away Chronic diarrhea Shortness of breath Unexplained lymphadenopathy Unexplained weight loss, 10 pounds or more, in less than 2 months Incubation period is 1 month to 12 years

HIV/AIDS Screening Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is an AIDS indicator Western Blot test is used after positive ELISA Opportunistic infections- a healthy person would fight off these infections, but a person with AIDS has a compromised immune response.

HIV/AIDS Cannot be spread by: Casual contact Through air, feces, food, urine or water Coughing, sneezing, embracing, shaking hands and sharing eating utensils The AIDS Patient Sometimes treated as outcasts Healthcare worker should be supportive Use of gloves for normal patient contact is not necessary

AIDS related complex ARC Person contracts HIV and other conditions but not AIDS Symptoms: diarrhea, lymphadenopathy and unexplained weight loss If life threatening opportunistic infections develop, then individual is said to have AIDS

Prevent the Spread of HIV/AIDS Avoid risky behavior Protected sex Do Not share needles or syringes Clean soiled clothes, surfaces with soap and hot water Cover open cut, sore, or wound Use standard precaution

Standard Precautions Guidelines to use in patient care setting Must be used when there is contact with blood, any body fluid (except sweat), mucous membranes and non-intact skin Handwashing – the single most effective way to prevent infection Wash hands after touching body fluids, even if gloves are worn. Wash hands immediately after and between patient contact Use a plain (non-antimicrobial) soap for minimum 10 seconds Gloves, gown, mask/eyeshield (when appropriate) and separate equipment

Standard Precautions Gloves – worn when touching blood, body fluids, etc. Mask, eye protection, face shield and gown – during patient care activities that may generate splashes or sprays of blood, body fluids, etc. Patient care equipment and linens – handle with care, don’t let it touch your or clothing, clean or discard appropriately.