1. Functions of the Lymphatic System

2. The Lymphatic System in 2 minutes

3. 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

4. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11. 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

12. Immunization
ANTIGEN injected to stimulate production of ANTIBODIES

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

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

17. 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