Functions of the Lymphatic System

The Lymphatic System in 2 minutes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEP0PYEWcwU

Lymph Fluid Fluid that goes between capillary blood and tissues Lymph in tissues = interstitial fluid Carries digested food, O2, and hormones to cells Carries waste back to capillaries for excretion Skeletal muscle action helps to squeeze lymph along

Lymph Vessels Transport excess tissue fluid back into circulatory system Valves prevent backflow (only flows one direction) Closely parallel to veins Empties into thoracic duct (left lymphatic duct) and right lymphatic duct

Lymph Nodes Produce lymphocytes Filter out bacteria If substance cannot be destroyed, node will become inflamed

Tonsils Also produce lymphocytes Combat disease from inhalation 3 pairs What are they? Where are they located?

Spleen Produces Lymphocytes and Monocytes Filters/stores blood Recycles old RBCs

Thymus Produces and “trains” T Lymphocytes Also considered endocrine gland

Immunity Body’s ability to resist disease Natural Immunity Acquired Immunity

Natural Immunity Birth, inherited, permanent Unbroken skin Mucous Tears Blood Phagocytes Local inflammation

Acquired Immunity Body’s reaction to invaders Passive acquired immunity: from injecting antibodies Only lasts up to a few weeks Active acquired immunity: lasts longer Natural acquired immunity- e.g. recovering from disease (body manufactures antibodies) Artificial acquired immunity- vaccinations

Immunization ANTIGEN injected to stimulate production of ANTIBODIES

Standard/Universal Precautions Treating everyone as if they have potentially infectious material Used in patient care when there is potential contact with blood, body fluids, mucous membranes, or non-intact skin Includes Handwashing PPE Patient care equipment/linens

Handwashing SINGLE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO PREVENT INFECTION Wash after touching body fluids (even if wearing gloves) Wash after removing gloves, between patient contact SOAP and friction Wash for minimum of 10 seconds ABCs, Twinkle Twinkle, Happy Birthday

PPE Personal Protective Equipment Gloves: when touching blood/body fluids mask, goggles, face shield, gown, shoe covers When patient care activities can generate splashing, spray of blood/body fluids

Patient Care Equipment/Linens Handle with care Don’t let it touch your clothing Clean/Discard appropriately

Occupational Health and BBP BBP = bloodborne pathogens Be cautious with needles (when using or in the room with someone utilizing) NEVER RECAP USED NEEDLES Sharps go in a sharps container Use mouthpieces, resuscitation bags or other ventilation devices as alternative to mouth to mouth Patient with contamination risk should be in relatively isolated area