Example Of Adaptive Response

Adaptive Response
We are amazing human beings. Our bodies have been carefully constructed to protect ourselves from injury and harm. The protection of our body begins with the brilliant intervention of one small cell. According to Huether and McCance (2012), adaptive immunity is considered the third line of defense within our bodies. Adaptive immunity is summoned after the frontline or “external barriers” are compromised (Huether & McCance, 2012, p. 142). The process of inflammation arrives at the scene of invasion; next adaptive immunity is organized. Adaptive responses help our bodies fight disease at the scene. Additionally, adaptive responses maintain a unique memory to protect the body from future invasions. This paper will explore examples of the specific pathophysiology and associated alterations caused by adaptive responses.
Scenario 1: Tonsillitis
Jennifer presents with the clinical signs and symptoms of tonsillitis. The clinical presentation of swollen tonsils, pain while swallowing, presence of exudates, associated temperature for three days, positive palpable anterior cervical nodes, and sore throat lead the clinician to believe Jennifer has tonsillitis. Tonsils are considered lymph tissue. The tonsils react to a microorganism that has come in contact via air droplet with the mouth, nose, or eyes. The resulting cytokine induced inflammation occurs in order to protect the body from infectious invasion. When this occurs inflammation mediators are activated and will lead to fever. Many lymphocytes and antigens get activated and start to fight the illness. The lymph nodes are enlarged because they are working harder to filter and clean the lymph fluid. Jennifer’s adaptive responses include inflammation, f...

... middle of paper ...

... her physical and emotional conditions. Her demands for energy are higher. Her body can compensate for the extra pressure she is experiencing. The added tension has led to decreased appetite and sleeplessness.
Summary
There are several types of adaptive responses in our body. Many of these pathways are intended to protect our body from illness, harm, or injury. It is important to understand the processes that occur at the cellular level in order to develop a treatment plan. Many of the adaptive pathways that are activated need to be either assisted with added protection or suppressed. According to Henry (2013), clinicians will guide interventions based on the knowledge of the body’s responses to harmful agents. Decisions will need to be determined by using the detail of the specific underlying pathophysiology of the clinical presentation and diagnosis.