Word parts
What it means
A weak or missing part of the immune systemih-MYOON SIS-tumThe body's defense system of cells, tissues and organs that fights germs and other foreign substances.Full entry . A person can be born with it (primary immunodeficiency) or develop it later (secondary), most often from HIV, chemotherapy, long-term corticosteroids, drugs given after an organ transplant, malnutrition or older age. People with immunodeficiency get infections more often, get sicker from them, and may not show the usual signs, such as a high fever or pus.
For the nurse
Protect these clients from infection: careful hand hygieneHAND HY-jeenCleaning the hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.Full entry , no visitors who are sick, and protective precautions as ordered. Report even a small rise in temperature, since it may be the only sign of a serious infection. Live vaccines are often not given.
At a glance
| Spanish | inmunodeficiencia |
|---|---|
| Also written | immunodeficiencies, immunodeficient |
Related terms
antineoplastic
A drug used to treat cancer by killing cancer cells or stopping them from growing and dividing.
corticosteroid
A drug that acts like the hormones of the adrenal glands, used mainly to calm inflammation and the immune system.
infectious disease
An illness caused by a germ such as a bacterium, virus, fungus or parasite.
hand hygiene
Cleaning the hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
immune system
The body's defense system of cells, tissues and organs that fights germs and other foreign substances.